My Next Read: “Faster Than A Cannonball: 1995 and All That” By Dylan Jones
Decades tend to crest halfway through, and 1995 was the year of the Nineties: peak Britpop (Oasis v Blur), peak YBA (Tracey Emin’s tent), peak New Lad (when Nick Hornby published High Fidelity, when James Brown’s Loaded detonated the publishing industry, and when pubs were finally allowed to stay open on a Sunday). It was the year of The Bends, the year Danny Boyle started filming Trainspotting, the year Richey Edwards went missing, the year Alex Garland wrote The Beach, the year Blair changed Clause IV after a controversial vote at the Labour Conference.
Not only was the mid-Nineties perhaps the last time that rock stars, music journalists and pop consumers held onto a belief in rock’s mystical power, it was a period of huge cultural upheaval – in art, literature, publishing and drugs. And it was a period of almost unparalleled hedonism, a time when many people thought they deserved to live the rock and roll lifestyle, when a generation of narcotic omnivores thought they could all be rock stars just by buying a magazine and a copy of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Faster Than a Cannonball is a cultural swipe of the decade from loungecore to the rise of New Labour, teasing all the relevant artistic strands through interviews with all the major protagonists and exhaustive re-evaluations of the important records of the year – The Bends by Radiohead, Grand Prix by Teenage Fanclub, Maxinquaye by Tricky, Different Class by Pulp, The Great Escape by Blur, It’s Great When You’re Straight… Yeah! by Black Grape, Exit Planet Dust by the Chemical Brothers, I Should Coco by Supergrass, Elastica by Elastica, Pure Phase by Spiritualized, …I Care Because You Do by Aphex Twin and of course (What’s the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis, the most iconic album of the decade.
5 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’
Joni Mitchell’s Blue is a musical gem, a raw and beautifully honest album that has stood the test of time since its release in 1971. Considered one of the greatest albums of all time, it’s packed with emotional depth, soulful melodies, and timeless stories. But how much do you really know about Blue? Let’s dive into five fun facts about this iconic album that’ll have you listening with fresh ears.
1. It Was Written During a Heartbreaking European Adventure
In 1970, after a breakup with fellow musician Graham Nash, Joni Mitchell decided to hit the road. She traveled to Europe, where she found both inspiration and heartbreak. Her adventures on the island of Crete, among other places, gave rise to some of Blue’s most beloved tracks, like “Carey” and “California.” Her European soul-searching journey made the album as raw and reflective as it is — talk about turning travel into art.
2. “Little Green” Was a Deeply Personal Song About Her Daughter
One of the most touching songs on Blue is “Little Green,” but what you might not know is that it’s about the daughter Joni Mitchell gave up for adoption in 1965. She kept the song under wraps for years, only releasing it on Blue. The lyrics are subtle yet heartbreaking, revealing the personal pain that Mitchell was willing to share with the world. It wasn’t until decades later that her daughter was reunited with her – a real-life full-circle moment.
3. James Taylor Wasn’t Just a Love Interest — He Played On the Album
While recording Blue, Mitchell was romantically involved with James Taylor, and their relationship deeply influenced the album. What many fans may not know is that Taylor actually played guitar on some of the tracks, including “A Case of You” and “California.” The warmth and intimacy in the music reflect not just Joni’s heartache but also the complexities of their relationship.
4. It Almost Included Two Completely Different Songs
Blue could have sounded a lot different! Originally, Joni Mitchell had planned to include two older songs, “Urge for Going” and “Hunter (The Good Samaritan),” but she swapped them out at the last minute. Instead, she added “All I Want” and “The Last Time I Saw Richard,” making Blue even more cohesive in its exploration of love, loss, and self-reflection. You can still hear those cut tracks on later releases, but Blue wouldn’t be the same without the last-minute changes.
5. It Redefined What a “Confessional” Album Could Be
Before Blue, artists didn’t typically wear their hearts on their sleeves quite this openly. The album set a new standard for what a confessional singer-songwriter album could be — brutally honest and emotionally transparent. Joni Mitchell herself once said the album made her feel like “a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes,” fully exposed to the world. Critics and artists alike have praised her vulnerability ever since, with legends like Prince and Taylor Swift citing Blue as a major influence.
V-U2 Extends Run at Sphere Las Vegas: New Dates Added Through December
The groundbreaking V-U2 immersive concert film, directed by Morleigh Steinberg and U2’s The Edge, is now extending its run at Sphere Las Vegas through December. The visually stunning showcase of the band’s history-making U2 show, which captivated 700,000 fans from September 2023 to March 2024, blends state-of-the-art technology with a dynamic setlist, taking fans on a journey through U2’s past and future. Don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind cinematic concert event. Tickets are now available here.
Little Big Town Unwraps Their First-Ever Holiday Album ‘The Christmas Record’
Need the perfect soundtrack to help you deck the halls? Multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning four-piece Little Big Town – comprised of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook – have unwrapped their first-ever Christmas album, The Christmas Record, out now via Capitol Records Nashville.
But wait, there’s more. Alongside The Christmas Record, Little Big Town have released a beautiful music video for “Glow” – out today. Little Big Town pine for the holiday season as they venture through the breathtaking town of Gstaad, Switzerland, in search of the holiday spirit. The video is directed by long-time collaborators Becky Fluke and Reid Long.
“We shot the video for “Glow” while on tour in Switzerland this summer. Being in Gstaad and the Swiss Alps channeled our holiday spirit, so we couldn’t pass up the chance to create our own winter wonderland magic!” says Little Big Town. “We’re so happy to finally share our first-ever Christmas record with the world. We hope this soundtrack will create some new traditions for you this holiday season.”
The 11-track record – produced by Dave Cobb – includes new interpretations of country classics and a stellar batch of original soon-to-be-classics. Among these originals is “Glow,” the upbeat track that’s begging to be listened to around a crackling, stocking-adorned fireplace.
The Christmas Record follows the release of Little Big Town’s first-ever Greatest Hits album, released in August to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. Consisting of 12 tracks that span the group’s genre-defining discography, the record pays tribute to their remarkable journey thus far, and teases what’s to come thanks to fresh collaborations with Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland.
Little Big Town won’t be slowing down this holiday season. Along with the release of The Christmas Record, the band will be ringing in the holidays with NBC for their one-of-a-kind special, “Little Big Town’s Christmas at The Opry.” The 2-hour holiday spectacular will feature performances from Little Big Town along with some extra-special guests. At the end of the month, Little Big Town head out on the road with special guest Sugarland for the Take Me Home Tour, which hits 18 arenas across the country.
GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA, and Emmy Award-winning group, Little Big Town – consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook – burst onto the music scene 25 years ago with smash hits “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The band’s breakthrough albums Tornado and PainKiller produced multiple No. 1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of 2015 “Girl Crush.” 2017’s The Breaker debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts to critical acclaim and features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week #1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” In January 2020, the band released their self-produced ninth studio album, Nightfall, which once again hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts. The record included critically acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated songs “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” – the latter of which has reached almost 400 million global streams. In September 2022, they released their tenth studio album, Mr. Sun, which debuted as the Top Country Album released by a Group in 2022. To date, Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home over 20 awards, including multiple GRAMMY, AMA, People’s Choice, CMA, and ACM Awards, in addition to an Emmy award. To celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, Little Big Town released their first-ever career-spanning Greatest Hits album on August 9th, which features collaborations with Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland. Along with the new album, Little Big Town are gearing up to play arenas nationwide on The Take Me Home Tour, with special guests and recent collaborators Sugarland. Celebrations are set to continue into the New Year with the release of the band’s first-ever Christmas album, The Christmas Record, out now.
The Christmas Record
Glow
Santa Claus Is Back In Town
If We Make It Through December
Someday At Christmas
Christmas Night With You
Believe In Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Tennessee Christmas
Christmas Time Is Here
Evergreen
Holiday
Tour Dates
October 24 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, SC
October 25 – PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC
October 26 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
October 31 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
November 1 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
November 2 – KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY
November 7 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
November 8 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
November 9 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
November 14 – T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO
November 15 – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center – Sioux Falls, SD
November 16 – Vibrant Arena at The MARK – Moline, IL
November 21 – Moody Center – Austin, TX
November 22 – Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX
November 23 – BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
December 11 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum – Biloxi, MS
December 12 – Gas South Arena – Duluth, GA
December 13 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
5 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ Album
Watch Joan Jett Cover The Mary Tyler Moore Theme Song In 1996
In 1996, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts gave the classic Mary Tyler Moore theme song, “Love Is All Around,” a rock-and-roll twist, as they do with most of their hits. Their rollicking rendition breathed new life into the iconic TV anthem, blending Jett’s signature gritty vocals and the band’s infectious energy with the beloved melody. The cover added a rebellious edge to the tune, showcasing Jett’s ability to reinterpret classics with her style while honoring the timeless spirit of the original.
The JUNO Awards Announce Two New Categories
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced changes to its Nominating and Voting process. Over the past year, CARAS has undergone a strategic review, including working closely with our Nominating and Voting Committee to conduct the annual review of all Nominating and Voting practices for The JUNO Awards. New changes to the 2025 JUNO Awards Submissions season include the addition of two new categories, South Asian Music Recording of the Year and Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer) Presented by SOCAN.
Canada has proven to be at the epicenter of South Asian music globally. South Asian Music Recording of the Year will celebrate recordings throughout the diaspora, supporting their tremendous growth and success. As one of the most prestigious awards, Songwriter of the Year receives a record number of submissions every year. The category has been split into two with the addition of the Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer) Presented by SOCAN. This new award will recognize Canadian songwriters who compose some of the most recognizable songs for artists other than themselves. These two new categories showcase how The JUNO Awards continue to evolve every year. To inform future changes, we will continue to work closely with artists, industry professionals, and communities, ensuring that all decisions are made thoughtfully and inclusively reflecting trends, data and cultural significances within our communities.
2025 JUNO Awards Submissions Presented by TD open October 15, 2024 and will be accepted at junosubmissions.ca until November 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
To be considered for nomination for the 2025 JUNO Awards, national music release dates must fall between the eligibility period of September 1, 2023 – November 1, 2024.
KEY SUBMISSION DATES FOR JUNO AWARDS SUBMISSIONS PRESENTED BY TD:
- October 15, 2024 – Submissions Presented by TD open
- October 22, 2024 – Early bird deadline
- November 7, 2024 – Submissions Deadline
*All dates subject to change
NOMINATING & VOTING UPDATES FOR 2025
APPLICABLE TO ALL JUNO CATEGORIES:
- To be eligible to submit all music must be available on at least one Digital Service Provider (DSP) with the exception of Album Artwork of the Year.
- All consumption categories will include data from September 1, 2023 – November 29, 2024 towards the artist’s tabulation that determines the Nominees
CATEGORY CHANGES:
- Categories added for 2025:
- Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer) Presented by SOCAN
- South Asian Music Recording of the Year
- Categories being merged for 2025:
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Group of the Year to become Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters celebrating 10 Nominees in the category.
- Categories removed for 2025:
- International Album of the Year
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY CHANGES:
- Rap Album/EP of the Year and Rap Single of the Year
- The Nominees will now be determined by 50% consumption and 50% Judge vote
- Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Presented by Destination Indigenous and Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year will become Recording categories.
- Artists or Groups with Albums/EPs or Singles will now be eligible to submit in both categories
- 12.5% Radio Audience Data, 12.5% Social Data, 50% Global consumption data and 25% CARAS Academy Delegate vote will now be used in the tabulation to determine the Nominees for the following categories:
- Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada
- Group of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada
The 54th Annual JUNO Awards and JUNO Week 2025 will be hosted in Vancouver, BC from March 27 to Sunday, March 30, 2025 culminating with The JUNO Awards at Rogers Arena on Sunday, March 30, 2025, broadcast live on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos.