?From the celebrated novelist and memoirist, a gorgeous account of how Joni Mitchell’s work has shaped his writing throughout his life.
From the moment Paul Lisicky heard Joni Mitchell while growing up in New Jersey, he recognized she was that rarity among musicians—a talent whose combination of introspection, liberation, and deep musicality set her apart from any other artist of the time. As a young man, Paul was a budding songwriter who took his cues from Mitchell’s mysteries and idiosyncrasies. But as he matured, he set his guitar aside and turned to prose, a practice that would eventually take him to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and into the professional world of letters.
As the decades passed, Paul’s connection to Mitchell’s artistry only deepened. Joni’s music was a constant, a guide to life and an artist’s manual in one. As Paul navigated love and heartbreak and imaginative struggles and the vicissitudes of a creative career, he would return again and again to the lessons found in Joni’s songs, to the solace and challenges that only her musicianship could give.
Song So Wild and Blue is a gorgeously written, beautifully intimate, and unique tribute to the woman who shaped generations of creators and thinkers. Lisicky offers his own coming-of-adulthood as testimony to the power of songwriting and staying true to your creative vision. A guide to life that is part memoir, part biography, and part homage, Song So Wild and Blue is a joy for devoted Joni enthusiasts, budding writers, and artists of all stripes.
Katie Beisel Hollenbach’s The Business of Bobbysoxers reconsiders the story of American popular music, celebrity following, and fan behavior during World War II through close examination of “bobbysoxers.” Preserved in popular memory as primarily white, hysterical, teen girl devotees of Frank Sinatra clad in bobby socks and saddle shoes, these girls were accused of displaying inappropriate behavior and priorities in their obsessive pursuit of a crooning celebrity at a time of international crisis. Author Katie Beisel Hollenbach peels back the stereotypes of girlhood idol adoration by documenting the intimate practices of wartime Sinatra fan clubs, revealing a new side of this familiar story in American history through the perspective of the bobbysoxer.
In World War II America, fan clubs and organizations like Teen Canteens offered a haven for teenage girls to celebrate their enjoyment of popular culture while cultivating relationships with each other through media icons and the entertainment industry. Many of these organizations attempted to encourage diverse memberships, influenced in part by Frank Sinatra’s public work on racial and religious tolerance, and by Sinatra’s own identity as an Italian American. Away from the critical public eye, these communities offered girls a place to safely explore and discuss issues including civil rights, politics, the war, patriotism, internationalism, and professional development in the context of their shared Sinatra fandom. With these broader social and political complexities in mind, The Business of Bobbysoxers shines a light on musical fan communities that provided teenage girls with peer groups at a critical moment of personal and historical change, allowing them to creatively express their desires and imagine their futures as American women together.
When Face Dances was released in 1981, The Who were stepping into a new era—still unmistakably them, but changed forever by the loss of drummer Keith Moon. With Kenney Jones behind the kit and Warner Bros. as their new U.S. label, this ninth studio album delivered a mix of slick production, spiritual searching, and power-pop hooks that marked the band’s evolution. It gave us “You Better You Bet,” one of their last major hits, and an album cover unlike anything they’d done before. But behind the music and the legacy, Face Dances holds a few secrets you might not know…
1. The Album Title Was Almost Just “The Who” Before it was known as Face Dances, the album was simply going to be self-titled—a bold move for a band nearly two decades into their career. Pete Townshend later renamed it after jokingly referring to a friend’s rhythmic teeth-clenching as “face dances.” The term also echoes the “Face Dancers” from Frank Herbert’s Dune, something Townshend realized only after the fact.
2. The Cover Art Was Curated by a Sgt. Pepper’s Legend Pop artist Peter Blake, the mastermind behind The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s cover, returned to rock iconography by assembling 16 British painters to each create a portrait of The Who’s members. The resulting grid of 16 paintings gave Face Dances a distinctly modern-art twist. Artists included David Hockney, Richard Hamilton, and Blake himself.
3. “You Better You Bet” Was the First MTV Rerun When MTV launched in August 1981, “You Better You Bet” became one of the channel’s very first videos—and the first to be played twice. Its high-rotation status gave the band a new kind of exposure in the video age, helping the track climb to #1 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart.
4. John Entwistle Wrote “The Quiet One” to Retire a Classic Entwistle penned “The Quiet One” specifically to replace “My Wife” during live shows. He was tired of the older tune and wanted something fresh that also showcased Kenney Jones’s drumming. While it only lasted through the Face Dances and 1982 tours, it gave fans a rare look at Entwistle stepping out from his famously silent stage persona.
5. “Don’t Let Go the Coat” Hints at Pete’s Spiritual Anchor Though its meaning is debated, many listeners see “Don’t Let Go the Coat” as Pete Townshend’s musical homage to spiritual teacher Meher Baba. The title mirrors Baba’s advice to “hold fast to the hem of my robe.” Others interpret it as a personal cry for support during Townshend’s battles with addiction—making the track one of the most emotionally layered in The Who’s catalog.
Face Dances may not carry the same mythic weight as Who’s Next or Quadrophenia, but its place in The Who’s journey is undeniable. It was a bold continuation, a nod to their past, and a step into the uncertain future. With its layered meanings, visual artistry, and quietly defiant spirit, Face Dances is a reminder: even legends aren’t done evolving.
Vermont-based singer-songwriter Reid Parsons (they/she) announces the release of their debut full-length album, Back to Back, out now. Deeply inspired by architecture, Parsons has created an evocative and emotionally eloquent musical universe on this highly anticipated orchestral-folk record, showcasing their ability to weave elements of jazz, blues, classical, soul, and funk into emotionally rich narratives.
Today, Parsons shares the album’s title track and first single, “Back to Back.” The song explores the dynamics of a relationship where physical closeness is balanced with the reality of time apart. “The song reflects an understanding and acceptance of the unique ways partners connect and coexist,” Parsons says. “It celebrates the stability and comfort found in our individual strengths and the enduring nature of our bond.” With its thoughtful lyrics and gently rhythmic bossa nova groove, the track exudes warmth and intimacy, encapsulated beautifully in the refrain: “It means I got yours and you got me.”
“Music has always been where I can build a world to embrace all parts of myself,” Parsons explains. Their debut album, meticulously sequenced for vinyl, was tracked direct-to-tape by renowned engineer Ben Collette (Phish’s Trey Anastasio, Susan Tedeschi, Sharon Jones) at Burlington’s iconic Tank Recording Studio.
Parsons is a fearless and freewheeling musician whose work veers into jazz, blues, classical, soul, funk, rock, pop, and country with reverence and grace. This vibrant patchwork is threaded together by fine song craft, a well-developed production aesthetic, elegantly expressive vocals, and impressionistic and concise lyrics.
“I strive to write from a place of simplicity. I want to leave space for interpretation, to build a room for others to process, to emote, to have their own experiences in,” she says. Parsons grew up in Moretown, Vermont, a tiny town of 1,500, and the Green Mountain State has profoundly shaped them as an artist and a person. “I am so lucky to live here and to have been raised here. The lush explosion of nature in the summer, the harsh winters, the space to breathe, and the slow pace are all part of my creative flow,” they say.
Parsons’s earliest memories are of her and her older sister belting ‘N Sync’s No Strings Attached and Christina Aguilera’s Stripped, punctuated by obsessive spells of watching the 1993 film version of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” on VHS. Family car rides consisted of her father playing the harmonica and drilling ear training exercises to pass the time. Chores were always done to an eclectic soundtrack of Lucinda Williams, Stevie Wonder, Patsy Cline, and Steely Dan.
Parsons began piano lessons at age five and picked up the saxophone a few years later, beginning a lasting obsession with blues and jazz. They taught themself guitar at summer camp, where they began writing songs. When they returned home, they began performing at the now-defunct Purple Moon Pub, known for sending off local legend Grace Potter.
Parsons’s music invites comparisons to Anaïs Mitchell, Frazey Ford, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi, yet their distinctive, architectural approach to songwriting remains uniquely their own. Back to Back was partially funded through a crowdfunding campaign, with the remainder supported by Parsons’s work in farming—a testament to their dedication and grassroots approach.
Back To Back by Reid Parsons 1. Back to Back 2. Get Out of Bed 3. Lightbulb 4. Heavy Load 5. Show Me You Love Me 6. Holiday 7. I’m On Fire 8. Figure It Out 9. Same Old Shit 10. Where Are You Now
When Karl Wallinger passed away last year in March, he left behind an enduring legacy as the frontman, multi-instrumentalist, and creative visionary of World Party. That legacy will be honoured with Best in Show, a deluxe compilation of World Party’s hit singles, and fan favorites.
Originally a limited release in 2007, Best in Show will reappear’s today, March 14, 2025 in a limited-edition, double-vinyl pressing that includes updated artwork from designer Richard Evans and an expanded track listing. This career-spanning set features songs from all five of World Party’s studio albums, including timeless tracks like the environmental protest song “Ship of Fools,” the Ivor Novello Award-winning “She’s the One” (which Robbie Williams covered in 1999, earning a Number 1 hit), and the band’s highest-streamed track, “Is It Like Today?”
Wallinger’s family and label (Seaview) curated the updated track sequence. This results in an eclectic, highly personalized song cycle that makes room for material not featured on the album’s 2007 release, including “Everybody’s Falling in Love” (written in the wake of Wallinger’s career-threatening brain aneurysm), “Best Place I’ve Ever Been” (the second American single from the underrated album Dumbing Up), and the poignant closer, “Always.”
Years after their original release, Karl Wallinger’s songs continue to brim with a timelessness that grows stronger with age. They also highlight the long-running talent of a musician whose catalogue reached far beyond World Party’s discography, including several albums as a member of The Waterboys (whose platinum-selling single “The Whole of the Moon” featured Wallinger’s sonic stamp) and a collaboration with Sinéad O’Connor that began with her 1987 debut album, The Lion and the Cobra.
Best in Show‘s vinyl release will feature two colored vinyls, while its CD release will feature environmentally friendly packaging with no plastic. The title will also be available for download and streaming.
VINYL LISTING A Ship of Fools A Way Down Now A Put the Message in the Box A Is It Like Today? B She’s The One B All Come True B Sweet Soul Dream B Thank You World C Sunshine C is It Too Late? C What Does It Mean Now? C When The Rainbow Comes D Everybody’s Falling In Love D God On My Side D Best Place I’ve Ever Been D Private Revolution D Always
CD LISTING A Ship of Fools A Way Down Now A Put the Message in the Box A Is It Like Today? A She’s The One A All Come True A Sweet Soul Dream A Thank You World A Sunshine A is It Too Late? A What Does It Mean Now? A When The Rainbow Comes A Everybody’s Falling In Love A God On My Side A Private Revolution A Always
Reggaeton is the sound that brings together rhythm, identity, and global energy. From its roots in the barrios of Puerto Rico to worldwide chart domination, these artists helped create it. Here are 10 reggaeton artists who changed the game and brought the beat to every corner of the planet.
Arcángel Arcángel helped shape the sound of Latin trap while staying true to reggaeton’s roots. With his emotional tone and poetic lyrics, he became a touchstone for artists blending raw feeling with rhythmic fire.
Bad Bunny Bad Bunny transformed reggaeton into an expressive, genre-defying space where individuality thrives. From high fashion to historic performances, he opened doors for a new generation of artists and listeners.
Daddy Yankee The global ambassador of reggaeton, Daddy Yankee took the sound from underground parties to stadiums. “Gasolina” made history, and every beat since has amplified his legendary status.
Don Omar Don Omar brought a dramatic, cinematic energy to reggaeton with tracks like “Danza Kuduro.” His commanding voice and magnetic presence helped give the genre unforgettable flair.
Ivy Queen A powerful voice and fearless presence, Ivy Queen carved space for women in a male-dominated scene. Her hits like “Quiero Bailar” added empowerment and elegance to the dancefloor.
J Balvin J Balvin introduced reggaeton to art galleries, runways, and radio stations worldwide. With vibrant visuals and universal grooves, he helped redefine what global pop can sound like.
Nicky Jam Nicky Jam’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics helped reggaeton connect across borders. His musical journey reflects growth, creativity, and a deep connection to the genre’s pulse.
Ozuna Ozuna’s melodic touch brought a romantic and harmonic dimension to reggaeton. His collaborations and record-breaking streams built bridges between reggaeton, pop, and trap.
Tego Calderón Tego Calderón blended Afro-Caribbean rhythms with sharp lyricism and social consciousness. His voice added depth and heritage to reggaeton’s evolving soundscape.
Wisin & Yandel This iconic duo brought futuristic flair and massive anthems to the genre. Their electrifying performances and dynamic chemistry made them leaders in reggaeton’s global rise.
You’ve written the song, recorded the track, and now you want it heard in the next Netflix series, car commercial, or emotional indie drama. Welcome to the world of sync licensing — one of the most lucrative and career-boosting corners of the music industry. But just like songwriting, pitching your music for film and TV is part art, part strategy, and all about knowing the rules of the game. Here are 10 tips to get you started, stay professional, and get noticed.
1. Own All Your Rights (Or Know Who Does) Music supervisors won’t touch a track with murky ownership. You need full control of both the master and publishing rights — or a clear trail to who does.
2. Metadata Is Your Best Friend Tag your files with your name, contact, genre, lyrics, and mood. Supervisors get hundreds of tracks a week — make it easy to find and license yours.
3. Create Instrumental Versions Many syncs need music without vocals to sit under dialogue. Always provide a clean instrumental — it could be the dealbreaker that gets you placed.
4. Know Your Genre and Mood Labels Use industry-standard terms: “uplifting indie pop,” “dramatic orchestral tension,” or “moody folk noir.” Vague terms like “cool” or “vibey” won’t cut it.
5. Target the Right Projects Don’t send your punk track to a rom-com music supervisor. Research shows and ads that match your style, and tailor your pitch accordingly.
6. Keep Your Emails Short and Sweet Music supervisors don’t have time to read your bio novel. Include a streaming link (not attachments), a one-liner description, and your contact info.
7. Stay Ready With Split Sheets If your track gets chosen, they’ll want proof of who owns what. Keep your split sheets organized and ready — it shows professionalism and saves time.
8. Learn the Power of PROs Register with a Performing Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN, etc.). When your music airs, they’ll collect your royalties around the world.
9. Network Without Being Annoying Music conferences, LinkedIn, and even Instagram DMs can open sync doors. But never spam — build relationships first, pitch second.
10. Keep Submitting. It’s a Numbers Game Sync success doesn’t usually happen overnight. The more you pitch — strategically and smartly — the more chances you create for that perfect placement.
Today is World Kissing Day — the perfect excuse to blast some smooch-worthy tunes and celebrate the power of a great kiss in music history. From first kisses to kiss-offs, artists have used that simple gesture as a metaphor for love, danger, rebellion, and everything in between. So grab your lip balm and let’s take a trip through 10 kissable classics — in alphabetical order, of course!
1. “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” – P!nk P!nk turns a kiss into a mic drop with this fiery breakup anthem. It’s sass, strength, and smudged eyeliner rolled into one dramatic sendoff.
2. “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Ten)” – Dusty Springfield Dusty’s voice floats like a dream in this lush ballad. It’s not about the kiss itself, but the trust you put in love — and maybe in a lipstick-stained promise.
3. “I Kissed a Girl” – Katy Perry Controversial, catchy, and culture-shifting — this 2008 hit kissed the charts and made everyone talk. Cherry ChapStick sales may or may not have spiked.
4. “Kiss” – Prince No song has ever made kissing sound so funky and flirtatious. Prince reminds us you don’t have to be rich or cool — you just need this groove.
5. “Kiss and Say Goodbye” – The Manhattans A slow, smooth goodbye that aches with every syllable. This soulful kiss is the last one — and somehow that makes it unforgettable.
6. “Kiss From a Rose” – Seal Nobody knows what it means, but it sure sounds romantic and mysterious. A song so iconic it upstaged Batman and became a wedding slow-dance staple.
7. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer A 90s teen movie in song form. This gentle pop gem practically invented dreamy make-out montages under twinkling lights and softly falling leaves.
8. “Kiss Me Deadly” – Lita Ford A glam rock power punch that proves kisses can come with combat boots. Warning: this one may cause spontaneous air guitar and leather jacket cravings.
9. “Kiss You” – One Direction Bubblegum pop perfection for the YouTube generation. It’s got cheeky charm, striped shirts, and more teen hormones than a school dance.
10. “This Kiss” – Faith Hill It’s centripetal motion! It’s perpetual bliss! It’s a country-pop whirlwind of joy wrapped up in the sweetness of a single perfect kiss.
Written by Freddie Mercury, “Killer Queen” was Queen’s first major hit in the U.S. and a chart-topper in the U.K., blending theatrical flair with biting elegance. Its clever lyrics and stylish production made it a standout on Sheer Heart Attack and a defining track in Queen’s rise to rock royalty.
A sewer line carries waste away from homes and businesses. Any problem in this system can disrupt daily activities and cause health hazards. Many property owners delay inspections until damage becomes severe. Early action protects structures and prevents unnecessary expenses.
Foul Odours Coming from Drains
Persistent smells drifting from drains often point to a breach in the sewer line. Gases and waste seep into pipes and vents, creating unpleasant odours that linger in kitchens and bathrooms. These smells rarely vanish on their own.
A quick test involves running water in each sink and shower. If the odour intensifies, waste could be collecting in the main line. Gaps in pipes or partial blockages allow gases to travel upwards. Regular cleaning products do little to address the root cause.
Failing to act allows bacteria and mould to spread. The air quality in living spaces deteriorates. Residents may experience headaches, nausea, or allergic reactions. If foul odours persist, it’s time to contact a licensed plumber without delay.
Slow or Gurgling Drains
Drainage that slows down across multiple fixtures signals more than a simple clog. A single sink draining slowly might have a minor blockage. If toilets, showers, and sinks show the same symptoms, the issue likely sits deeper.
Gurgling noises deserve attention. These sounds occur when air trapped by obstructions bubbles back through the water. The problem can worsen as debris builds up. Wastewater moves sluggishly and can reverse direction under pressure.
A table below outlines differences between minor and severe drainage issues:
Symptom
Possible Cause
Recommended Action
One drain slow
Localised blockage
Plunge or clean trap
Multiple drains slow
Main sewer line obstruction
Professional assessment
Gurgling from drains
Air pockets from partial blockages
Camera inspection recommended
Wastewater backing up
Advanced blockage or collapsed pipe
Immediate plumbing intervention
If the gurgling continues and drainage slows further, the obstruction will not clear without expert tools.
Frequent Backups and Clogs
Repeated blockages in the same drain hint at underlying structural issues. Many households treat occasional clogs as routine, but frequent backups rarely stem from surface-level problems.
Tree roots invade pipes over time, creating networks that trap waste. Old clay or concrete pipes can fracture and collapse. Grease and debris stick to damaged sections, reducing flow.
Relying on chemical drain cleaners offers temporary relief at best. These products may corrode pipes and contribute to future leaks. Professional-grade equipment, such as hydro jets and drain cameras, identifies and clears obstructions safely.
Engaging a trusted team like Graham & Sons Plumbing – Plumber Sydney specialists will help resolve these persistent problems. Their trained technicians use advanced diagnostics to pinpoint damage and recommend lasting repairs.
Unusual Lawn Changes
Sewer line leaks often reveal themselves above ground. Patches of grass that grow faster and appear greener could be absorbing wastewater. Saturated soil softens, leading to indentations or small sinkholes over time.
An unexplained soggy area in the yard usually aligns with the route of the main sewer line. The excess moisture attracts insects and rodents. These areas may emit a faint sewage smell, especially after rain.
Prompt assessment can prevent further damage to foundations and landscaping. Replacing sections of the line early costs less than addressing widespread collapse later.
Rodent or Insect Infestations
Pests exploit any opening they can find. Broken or deteriorated sewer lines create an easy entry point beneath a property. Rodents use these gaps to access walls, attics, and basements. Cockroaches and other insects thrive in damp conditions where waste collects.
Infestations linked to sewer damage can grow quickly. Traditional pest control methods prove ineffective until the plumbing defect is repaired. Sealing the pipe eliminates the access point and restores hygiene.
Rising Water Bills
Unexplained spikes in water usage deserve scrutiny. While sewer lines do not carry fresh water, related leaks in combined systems or joints can affect overall consumption. A cracked pipe allows constant seepage underground, and the system compensates by pulling in additional flow to maintain pressure.
Keep track of monthly statements. A sudden rise without a change in household habits often connects to hidden leaks. Water pooling under foundations or within walls increases humidity and damages structural materials. Early detection limits expensive repairs.
When to Call a Professional
Many homeowners attempt to clear blockages themselves. Simple tools help in minor clogs, but sewer line issues require specialised equipment. A camera inspection pinpoints cracks, root intrusion, and debris build-up accurately.
Here are clear indicators a professional inspection should be arranged:
Multiple drains slow or backing up
Bad smells spreading through the property
Unexplained lush patches in the lawn
Pest activity increasing near drains
Water bills rising sharply
Gurgling noises echoing from sinks and toilets
A licensed plumber will assess the system and recommend an approach that addresses the cause, not just the symptoms. Repairs may involve pipe relining, excavation, or targeted clearing using high-pressure jets.
Why Take Action Now?
Sewer line problems rarely resolve without action. Early signs often appear subtle, yet they point to larger failures developing underground. Acting quickly prevents health hazards, preserves property value, and saves money over time.
Any property showing these warning signals should be assessed without delay. A qualified plumber has the tools and experience to deliver reliable solutions before damage escalates.
If you suspect a hidden problem, arrange a professional inspection today. Immediate attention protects your home, health, and budget.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
