Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” released in 2009 as the lead single from ‘The Fame Monster’, became an instant pop phenomenon with its haunting electropop sound and unforgettable hook. Inspired by Gaga’s own fears and fascination with toxic love, it showcased her bold artistry and experimental edge. The track topped charts worldwide, sold over 12 million copies, earned a Grammy, and remains one of the catchiest and most celebrated songs of the 21st century.
Stuart Maconie’s ‘With a Little Help from Their Friends’ Reveals the People Who Shaped The Beatles’ Story
Everyone knows a Beatles tune. But their story goes beyond the omnipresent songs and iconic albums. Theirs is a tale that has become one of the core stories we tell about ourselves as a nation. The Beatles narrative has both shaped and reflected the country we live in today. Four lads from Liverpool have taken a seat alongside Shakespeare as one of our key cultural exports to the world, a world they changed and re-made in their own image in a blaze of creativity. But these four distinct personalities changed the world not in isolation but with more than a little help from their friends.
Like all the best stories there’s an incredible supporting cast, and all the most compelling elements of the great dramas: ambition, power, triumph, disaster, heartbreak, tragedy, drama, intrigue, lust…and of course, love.
Split into 3 sections, Before The Beatles, With the Beatles and Beyond the Beatles, bestselling writer and broadcaster Stuart Maconie tells the epic tale of the people who made the band who made Britain, and along the way adds his own experiences, encounters and conversations that show the Beatles like you’ve never seen them before.
Bradley Morgan’s ‘Frank Zappa’s America’ Examines the Icon’s Satire, Politics, and Fight for Free Expression
From his early albums with the Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa established a reputation as a musical genius who pushed the limits of culture throughout the 1960s and 1970s, experimenting with a blend of genres in innovative and unheard-of ways. Not only did his exploratory styles challenge the expectations of what popular music could sound like, but his prolific creative endeavors also shaped how audiences thought about the freedom of artistic expression.
In Frank Zappa?s America, Bradley Morgan casts the artist as an often-misunderstood figure who critiqued the actions of religious and political groups promoting a predominantly white, Christian vision of the United States. A controversial and provocative satirist, often criticized for the shocking subject matter of his songs, Zappa provided social commentary throughout his career that spoke truth to power about the nefarious institutions operating in the lives of everyday Americans. Beginning in the late 1970s, his music frequently addressed the rise of extremist religious influence in American politics, specifically white Christian nationalism.
Despite commercial and critical pressure, Zappa refused to waver in his support for free speech during the era of Reagan and MTV, including his pointed testimony before the U.S. Senate at the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) hearings. Throughout the 1980s, and until his death in 1993, Zappa crafted his art form to advocate for political engagement, the security of individual liberties, and the advancement of education. Music became his platform to convey progressive views promoting the rights of marginalized communities most at risk in a society governed by the principles of what he perceived as Christian radicalism.
Frank Zappa?s America examines the musician?s messaging through song, tracing the means by which Zappa created passionate, at times troubling, art that combats conservativism in its many manifestations. For readers in the twenty-first century, his music and public advocacy demonstrate the need to preserve democracy and the voices that uphold it.
The Who and CSI: A Perfect Match of Rock and Mystery
Few TV franchises have left as big a cultural mark as CSI, and few rock bands have a catalog as instantly recognizable as The Who. Put them together, and you get one of the most iconic pairings in television history. Across all the CSI series and spin-offs, The Who’s legendary songs provided the soundtrack to countless investigations, dramatic reveals, and yes—those unforgettable opening credits.
Here’s how each series found its perfect anthem:
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation & CSI: Vegas – Both the original and its modern revival chose “Who Are You” as their theme. With its fiery riffs and pointed question, it became synonymous with the detective work of Las Vegas crime labs.
- CSI: NY – “Baba O’Riley,” often (and lovingly) called “Teenage Wasteland,” set the stage for the gritty New York spin-off, its epic opening chords instantly pulling viewers into the city’s pulse.
- CSI: Miami – Few moments in TV history are as meme-worthy as David Caruso’s sunglasses and a perfectly timed “Yeeeaaah!”—all backed by “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” It was camp, drama, and rock ‘n’ roll rolled into one.
- CSI: Cyber – For its tech-savvy take on crime solving, the series turned to “I Can See for Miles,” a song that fit the theme of digital reach and surveillance in the cyber age.
Together, these songs did more than just open shows—they tied an entire franchise together with a unifying thread of classic rock. Each riff, drum hit, and soaring vocal line brought a sense of urgency and cool to the mysteries on screen.
The Who’s music was already timeless, but thanks to CSI, a whole new generation of viewers discovered just how powerful and versatile these songs could be. Decades later, many fans can’t hear those tracks without picturing flashing police lights, lab techs in sunglasses, and cases waiting to be solved.
20 Amazing Facts About Flipper
The punk world lost a true original this week. Bruce “Loose” Calderwood, longtime singer-bassist of the legendary San Francisco punk band Flipper, passed away at age 66. Known for their noisy, slowed-down, bass-heavy take on punk, Flipper inspired countless bands—from Nirvana to the Melvins—by being unapologetically themselves.
To honor Bruce and the band’s chaotic, beautiful legacy, here are 20 amazing facts about Flipper.
Flipper formed in San Francisco in 1979, part of the city’s raw underground punk scene.
They slowed punk down into a heavy, noisy sludge that confused some but inspired many.
Bruce “Loose” Calderwood replaced original singer Ricky Williams early on.
Bruce and Will Shatter both played bass onstage, trading vocals in chaotic harmony.
Their early single “Ha Ha Ha” became an underground classic of noisy punk.
The 1981 single “Sex Bomb” ran nearly eight minutes with one repeated line.
Their 1982 debut LP was cheekily titled Album – Generic Flipper.
Fans spray-painted “Flipper Rules” across walls around the world.
They appeared in the 1983 indie film Emerald Cities performing live songs.
The 1984 record Gone Fishin’ featured a cut-out model of Ted Falconi’s van.
Their 1984 live cassette Blow’n Chunks captured their wild CBGB performance.
The 1986 double live album Public Flipper Limited unfolded into a playable board game.
Bassist and co-vocalist Will Shatter died in 1987 but left a lasting legacy.
Kurt Cobain often wore a Flipper T-shirt, including on Saturday Night Live.
Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic played with Flipper from 2006 to 2009.
R.E.M., the Melvins, and others covered Flipper songs like “Sex Bomb.”
Henry Rollins once described them as simply “heavier than anything.”
Bruce changed his stage name from “Lose” to “Loose” in the 2000s.
After Bruce stepped away in 2015, David Yow of the Jesus Lizard took over vocals.
Flipper’s distorted chaos continues to echo in punk, grunge, and noise rock.
20 Amazing Facts About The Turtles and Flo & Eddie’s Mark Volman
Mark Volman, a founding member of the 1960s rock band the Turtles and the unforgettable “Flo” of Flo & Eddie, died in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 5, 2025, after a brief sudden illness. He was 78.
Born in Los Angeles in 1947, Volman helped shape the sound of the ’60s and beyond with his harmonies, humor, and creativity. From chart-topping pop to experimental rock, from the classroom to the stage, his life was filled with music, friendship, and joy. To celebrate him, here are 20 amazing facts about Mark Volman.
1. A California Dreamer
Mark was born April 19, 1947, in Los Angeles and grew up in the suburb of Westchester, where his musical journey began.
2. High School Harmony
At Westchester High School, he met Howard Kaylan—the partnership that would define his career.
3. The Birth of the Turtles
With Kaylan and friends, he co-founded the Turtles in 1965, transforming a surf band into a pop powerhouse.
4. A #1 Hitmaker
Mark’s harmonies can be heard on “Happy Together,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 and remains a timeless anthem.
5. The Hair Heard Around the World
In 1968, he famously insured his distinctive curly hair for $100,000.
6. Reinvention as Flo
When legal issues blocked him from using his own name, Mark took on the stage name “Flo”—short for Phlorescent Leech.
7. A Zappa Connection
Flo & Eddie joined Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, bringing their playful voices and wild humor to the band’s live shows.
8. Rock’s Secret Ingredient
As Flo & Eddie, Mark and Howard added background vocals to classic tracks like T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart.”
9. On the Big Screen
Mark appeared in Frank Zappa’s 1971 film 200 Motels, blending rock and surrealist cinema.
10. A Voice for Kids
Flo & Eddie created music for children’s shows, including the beloved Strawberry Shortcake specials.
11. The Ramones, U2, and More
Their voices can be heard on records by the Ramones, U2, Blondie, and Duran Duran, among many others.
12. A Second Act in Academia
At age 45, Mark went back to school, earning his B.A. magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount University in 1997—he even led his graduating class in a singalong of “Happy Together.”
13. Professor Flo
He went on to earn an MFA in screenwriting and taught music business at Loyola, Los Angeles Valley College, and later Belmont University in Nashville.
14. Ask Professor Flo
He shared his wisdom with students and fans alike through his consulting platform, “Ask Professor Flo.”
15. Still on the Road
With Howard retired, Mark continued leading the Turtles on the “Happy Together” tours into the 2020s, keeping the music alive for new generations.
16. A Battle with Cancer
In 2015, he was diagnosed with throat cancer but recovered and returned to the stage, declaring himself cancer-free in 2016.
17. A Courageous Fight
In 2020, he revealed he had Lewy body dementia but continued to perform through its early stages.
18. A Memoir Full of Joy
His 2023 autobiography, Happy Forever: My Musical Adventures With The Turtles, Frank Zappa, T. Rex, Flo & Eddie, and More, captured his remarkable journey.
19. Loved by Legends
Alice Cooper wrote the foreword to his book, calling Mark “one of the most indomitable yet gentle spirits” he had ever met.
20. Forever Happy Together
At graduations, concerts, and even in casual conversation, Mark often circled back to the song that defined his life: “Happy Together.” Fittingly, it remains his gift to the world.
Mark Volman’s life was a reminder that music can be both playful and profound. Whether singing harmonies on a timeless pop hit, teaching students about the business of music, or sharing the stage with rock icons, he carried joy into every room. His spirit, humor, and voice will forever echo in the chorus of “Happy Together.”
Shelby Means Steps Into the Spotlight with Star-Studded Self-Titled Solo Debut Featuring Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Jerry Douglas and More
GRAMMY-winning bassist, songwriter, and longtime side musician Shelby Means has traveled the world with many acts—most notably in recent years with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and previously with groundbreaking and generation-defining string band Della Mae—but her crowning achievement may very well be a step into her own spotlight. Out today, Means’ eponymous solo debut is a 13-track collection of bluegrass bangers, heartfelt lyrics, hilarious romps, and endless virtuosity that draws on the set of skills and fluencies Means has developed over her accomplished career. Anchored by her bright, confident and decidedly country voice and backed by a roster of true legends and allstars, the music is extraordinary and superlative while somehow still sounding like an informal jam session. “I didn’t feel like I had to stick with one band for the whole thing,” Means says. “I wanted it to feel like my favorite chili pickin’ parties, jams where I would make a pot of chili, invite friends over, and play music for hours.”
It should surprise no one that Means’ roster of friends and neighbors includes many supremely talented and similarly community-minded musicians and artists. Bryan Sutton (who plays guitar on the album) produced an album for Della Mae; producer Maya de Vitry happened to produce Means’ husband Joel Timmons’ album (he’s also in de Vitry’s band); Jerry Douglas produced for Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on both Crooked Tree and City of Gold; Means’ brother, Jacob, plays mandolin on a couple of selections; Golden Highway’s Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Kyle Tuttle, and Molly Tuttle herself each make appearances; there’s also Sam Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Billy Strings, Michael Cleveland, Tim O’Brien, and more. Plus, stalwart friends from her Nashville years are all over the record, folks like Rachel Baiman, Kelsey Waldon, Billy Contreras, and of course her bandmates and collaborators, many of whom she first met in Music City. With 11 of the 13 tracks original songs, trusted friends and co-writers Maya de Vitry, Joel Timmons, Langhorne Slim, Brennen Leigh, and Kelsey Waldon helped bring them to life.
Like Means’ chili pickin’ parties, the only way to get started is to jump right into the jam and listening through Shelby Means is no different. Stream or purchase the entire album today at this link. For everything else, please visit shelbyleemeans.com.
MoonShroom Share New Single “Somewhere on a Mountain” from Debut Album ‘Take a Trip’
Like the great cross-over acts who’ve come before them, rising Kansas City quartet MoonShroom have fine-tuned an eclectic mix of influences, churning out a funky, Americana-drenched sound rooted in both the nostalgic and the cosmic unknown. The band—Lily B Moonflower on guitar and vocals, Jake Keegan on dobro and vocals, Zach Bozeman on upright bass, and Colby Allen Walter on mandolin, electric guitar, and vocals—create a unique sonic tapestry utilizing each member’s background and specialty to a tee, and today, MoonShroom shared a tune drenched in their bluegrass upbringing, “Somewhere on a Mountain.”
The latest single from their upcoming debut album, Take a Trip, “Somewhere on a Mountain” was born amidst a major change in dobro player Jake Keegan’s life. “I wrote this song amidst a past music project of mine falling apart during the pandemic,” he recalls. “We had hit the road hard for five years building, only for it to end abruptly due to several factors out of our control.” While unfortunate, the long-belabored project coming to an end, Keegan eventually recognized the demise as a stepping stone into something exciting and different. “Ultimately, the universe had a weird way of shaking up my life in order to make way for the new,” he says. “Now, I couldn’t be happier with the music we are creating with MoonShroom.”
The energy, fueled by this next chapter, is palpable on the multiple dobro breaks Keegan plays throughout “Somewhere on a Mountain.” While mostly a bluegrass-with-drums setup, the wildly-experimentative group twist and turn along the way, building tension musically to release at exactly the right time, jumping between half-time and train beat feels and ripping solos and verses. Like the rest of Take a Trip—out now —“Somewhere on a Mountain” feels like a band feeding off of the energy of the crowd in real time; the MoonShroom way shining just as bright in the studio as it does on stage.
Take a Trip Tracklist:
Sunflower State of Mind
More with the Miles
Take a Trip
Somewhere on a Mountain
Drivin’ Through the Night
Waves of Love
Do the Damn Thing
Livin’ the Dream
Weekend with Me
Party on the Moon
MoonShroom takes the Americana art form to the Moon! Formed in 2022 by Kansas City Songwriters Lily B Moonflower and Jake Keegan, the group quickly established itself as an act to keep your eye on, performing alongside the likes of Yonder Mountain String Band and Leftover Salmon at a variety of festivals and venues across the country with their bandmates: Colby Allen Walter (electric guitar/mandolin) and Zach Bozeman (bass). Expanding upon Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, and rock stylings by blending genuine lyrics, tight vocal harmonies, and intricate instrumental conversation, their signature “Grassadelic Twang” shines through on their debut album, Take A Trip. Due out June 27, 2025, and touring across the country to celebrate, hop on the cosmic train, and come join the PARTY ON THE MOON!
Journey Montana Shares Official Video for “Hollywood” from Debut Album ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’
Continuing the momentum from her breakthrough debut album Lucky Girl Syndrome, R&B star Journey Montana has released the official music video for fan-favorite single “Hollywood” – out now via 10K Projects.
Produced by Grammy Award-winner DJ Camper, “Hollywood” is a standout from Lucky Girl Syndrome, Journey’s deeply personal and empowering full-length debut released on January 31st. The track blends smooth R&B grooves with introspective lyrics about chasing fame and finally stepping into the spotlight. The new visual brings those themes to life told through a different lens that captures the essence and allure of the track.
The video opens in a high-pressure audition room, where Journey Montana performs for a panel of different judges. It is a nod to the harsh realities behind the glitz of Hollywood. As the story unfolds, the video shifts to a symbolic scene of Journey Montana immersed in water, representing a moment of shedding expectations and embracing transformations. From there, we see her rise from the uncertainty of those early moments to confidently moving through Los Angeles, transformed and fully claiming her place in the city of dreams
Speaking on her single, Journey Montana says: “I wrote Hollywood while I was in L.A. working on my album, inspired by everything I saw and the people I met,” Journey shares. “Everyone was chasing something, but no one really knew what it was. It was intense, but also kind of hollow. With the video, I wanted to show that exact feeling. It moves from the audition, to the water as a symbol of transformation, to that elusive ‘I made it’ moment. It’s like you leave pieces of yourself behind along the way, and that’s exactly the point.”
“Hollywood” follows the previously released video for “Always Knew” featuring Maleigh Zan With over 20 million streams across platforms and co-signs from industry heavyweights, Journey Montana continues to prove she’s not just a star on the rise, she’s here to stay.
Stream “Hollywood,” a standout from her debut album Lucky Girl Syndrome, and keep an eye on Journey Montana as she continues her unstoppable rise in 2025.
Mariah Carey Celebrates 20 Years of ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ with Deluxe Anniversary Edition as “We Belong Together” Hits 7x Platinum
Mariah Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, has just released a 20th anniversary suite of definitive, expanded deluxe releases of her iconic, multi-platinum 10th album, The Emancipation of Mimi, in celebration of two decades of the modern classic.
The album’s era-defining hit “We Belong Together” has also now just been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA while “It’s Like That” has just been certified Platinum. The Emancipation of Mimi has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, making it both the best-selling album of 2005 and one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
Available now via Def Jam/UMe as a lavish 45-track 5LP box set, as well as 40-track Digital Deluxe Edition, The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) combines the original album, featuring the era-defining R&B hits “It’s Like That,” “We Belong Together,” “Shake It Off,” “Say Somethin’,” “Fly Like A Bird,” and “Get Your Number,” along with beloved tracks from the Ultra Platinum Edition, with the hit singles “Don’t Forget About Us,” “Makin’ It Last All Night (What It Do),” “Secret Love,” and “Sprung,” plus dozens of bonus tracks, spanning from Emancipation era dance remixes, artist collabs, instrumentals, acapellas, and edits, culled from various CD singles and maxi singles, to brand new remixes by the likes of KAYTRANADA and Esentrik. The Digital Deluxe Edition has been specially curated by Mariah to offer a unique listening experience.
The centerpiece of The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) is the long-awaited, fan-requested official release of “When I Feel It,” a standout song produced by Mahogany Beatz that was originally intended for The Emancipation of Mimi but ultimately unreleased due to clearance issues with its sample of The Dynamic Superiors’ “Here Comes That Feeling.”
Housed in a beautiful slipcase, the expansive 5LP vinyl collection features exclusive packaging with a 28-page booklet with stunning photos of Mariah as well as a personal letter from the legendary singer to her fans about the significance of this unprecedented album in her extraordinary career. A Deluxe 2LP vinyl set is also available.
“Twenty years ago, I was facing a crossroads in my career,” Mariah writes in the liner notes about the years leading up to her landmark “comeback” album. The Emancipation Of Mimi was more than just an album title; it was a declaration of artistic freedom. Twenty years later, I celebrate this album with all of you. Thank you for embracing this chapter of my story, for believing in the music, and for always allowing me to be me.”
Some of the many highlights of the anniversary edition include Mariah’s 2021’s inspired late night jam session, “We Belong Together (Mimi’s Late Night Valentine’s Mix), her unforgettable performance of “Don’t Forget About Us” / “We Belong Together” from the 2024 American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, the first of many 20th anniversary festivities around The Emancipation of Mimi, and the unreleased treasures “We Belong Together (Instrumental),” “Shake It Off (Acapella),” and “Circles (Acapella).”
Mariah will talk about the making of The Emancipation of Mimi and dive deep into the 20th Anniversary Edition in an exclusive Spotify Listening Party this Monday, June 2 at 2 pm PT/5 ET. The event will be hosted and moderated by radio personality and TV host, Nessa, of NYC’s Hot 97 and her nationally syndicated show, Nessa On Air. Fans will have the opportunity to submit questions while listening to the album together with Mariah. For more information, visit: MariahCarey.lnk.to/ListeningParty
Mariah has been celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi all year long, including with a sold out 24-show Las Vegas Residency, “The Celebration of Mimi,” which continues as a worldwide tour this year with stops in England, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Most recently she performed three sold out stadium shows in Shenzhen and Shanghai, China.
Mariah is also currently offering special 20th anniversary merch on the Mariah Carey Amazon Store. Additionally, Mariah has launched a new site, Mimi20.com, where she has been posting voice memos and other personal missives to the Lambs. The site is a nod to Mariah’s old fanclub website honeybfly.com.
An overwhelming triumph on both a personal and professional level, The Emancipation of Mimi marked Mariah’s reclamation of her throne as the reigning queen of pop and R&B. From the bass-rattling beats and sparkling vocals in opener “It’s Like That” to the slinky mid-tempo “Shake It Off” and the all-time romantic ballad “We Belong Together” (which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a whopping 14 weeks – the longest of any song during the 2000s – and was later declared by the magazine “song of the decade”), The Emancipation of Mimi was not so much about recounting her industry struggles as it was a pop icon doing what she does best. In that way, The Emancipation of Mimi was a masterclass in “show, don’t tell,” as Mariah and a trusted group of peers rolled out 14 tracks with breezy beats, soaring powerhouse vocals, and of-the-moment production that sounds as fresh in 2025 as it did in 2005.
Soaring to No. 1 with more than 404,000 copies sold in its first week of release, The Emancipation of Mimi was Mariah’s first album since 1997’s Butterfly to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, ultimately becoming the best-selling album of 2005 in the U.S with nearly five million units sold. Globally, it was the world’s second best-selling album of the year and it reached the top five in Canada, Denmark, France, and Japan. The Ultra Platinum Edition, released in November 2005 with several new tracks, including the towering “Don’t Forget About Us,” would keep the album in the top 5 for many more months and give Mariah her 17th No. 1 hit, trying her with Elvis Presley for the most No. 1 singles by a solo artist (a record she’d eventually surpass). Collectively, the two albums would earn her ten GRAMMY Award nominations: eight in 2006 for the original release (the most received by Mariah in a single year), including the big three: Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (“We Belong Together); and two in 2007 for the Ultra Platinum Edition. In 2006, Mariah took home trophies for Best Contemporary R&B album and Best R&B Song and Best Female Vocal Performance for “We Belong Together.”
The Emancipation of Mimi continues to remain as relevant and vital two decades after the legendary Mariah Carey freed herself from the constrictions and expectations of the industry and listened to her heart to create a timeless masterpiece filled with heart, soul and her incredible, peerless vocals.