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5 Surprising Facts About Minutemen’s ‘Double Nickels on the Dime’

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

5 Surprising Facts About Minutemen’s ‘Double Nickels on the Dime’

The Minutemen threw a Molotov cocktail into what a punk record could be on Double Nickels on the Dime — they . Forty-five songs, a double LP, funk grooves crashing into country twang, spoken-word poetry with basslines that never quit. It’s wild, it’s joyful, it’s pure DIY fire. Let’s rip open the hood and find five gems hiding inside this punk rock masterpiece.

1. Born from a friendly spark with Hüsker Dü
When the band saw labelmates Hüsker Dü drop Zen Arcade, they thought: why not us? Inspired, they expanded their record into a double album, not out of rivalry but in celebration of creativity. Their liner note joke “Take that, Hüskers!” was really a high-five across the punk cosmos.

2. Each member claimed a side
The sequencing wasn’t random chaos. D. Boon, Mike Watt, and George Hurley each got their own side to curate, like mixtapes from three different brains. The fourth side? Officially dubbed “Side Chaff,” a catch-all for leftovers — except these leftovers still sizzled.

3. Lyrics gifted by friends in the scene
The Minutemen kept their doors open. Punk comrades Henry Rollins, Jack Brewer, and Joe Carducci all contributed words, weaving their voices into the chaos. It turned the record into more than an album — it became a community zine pressed onto vinyl.

4. “Corona” started on a Fourth of July road trip
One of the band’s most iconic songs came from a day trip to Mexico on Independence Day. That journey gave birth to “Corona,” a protest song with polka beats and passion. Decades later, it found new life as the theme song for Jackass. That’s DIY immortality.

5. The cover: 55 mph of punk philosophy
The album title and artwork poke fun at Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55.” Mike Watt posed in his Volkswagen, the speedometer locked at 55, a San Pedro sign looming. The message? True rebellion isn’t about speeding — it’s about driving your own road and writing your own songs.

With thrift, wit, and a refusal to play by anyone else’s rules, Double Nickels on the Dime remains a beacon for punks and dreamers. Drop the needle, feel the basslines shake the floor, and let it remind you that music can be a revolution made on your own terms.

5 Surprising Facts About Sinéad O’Connor’s ‘The Lion And The Cobra’

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Sinéad O’Connor’s ‘The Lion And The Cobra’

When Sinéad O’Connor released The Lion and the Cobra in 1987, the world met a voice that could move mountains and whisper secrets in the same breath. Every track glows with fearless creativity, but behind the music are stories as bold and captivating as the songs themselves.

1. Recorded with a new life on the way
Sinéad was in the later stages of pregnancy with her first child during the recording sessions. This chapter in her life brought a deep sense of urgency and emotional richness to the music, creating a debut filled with raw connection and personal triumph.

2. A title with powerful roots
The album’s name comes straight from Psalm 91:13 — “You will tread upon the lion and cobra.” That fierce, spiritual imagery perfectly matches the music’s intensity, offering a poetic frame for the fearless energy running through every song.

3. Enya’s surprise cameo
Before enchanting the world with her own music, Enya appeared on the album’s opening track, “Never Get Old,” delivering a recital of Psalm 91 in Irish. It’s an elegant, almost hidden moment that layers ancient tradition into a modern, genre-blurring debut.

4. A cover shoot by a pop culture chameleon
The striking album cover was captured by Kate Garner, once part of the new wave pop group Haysi Fantayzee. Her creative eye brought a blend of theatrical flair and stark beauty, turning Sinéad’s image into an instant icon before a note was even played.

5. A fearless cross-genre collaboration
“I Want Your (Hands on Me)” became a groundbreaking remix when Sinéad invited rapper MC Lyte to add her voice. The result was a bold meeting of two trailblazing women from different musical worlds, opening doors for future cross-genre collaborations.

From biblical inspiration to unexpected guest stars, The Lion and the Cobra is more than a debut — it’s a fearless declaration of artistry. Put it on again, let Sinéad’s voice wrap around you, and discover new magic in a record that still roars today.

5 Surprising Facts About The Jesus and Mary Chain’s ‘Psychocandy’

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About The Jesus and Mary Chain’s ‘Psychocandy’

The Jesus and Mary Chain’s Psychocandy is more than just a debut album — it’s a sonic love letter wrapped in fuzz, feedback, and pure pop bliss. Beneath its wall of sound lies a treasure chest of behind-the-scenes moments and creative quirks that make it even more magical.

1. A redundancy cheque helped launch it all
Before Psychocandy even existed, Jim and William Reid’s father gave them £300 from his redundancy money. They used it to buy a Portastudio recorder, setting the stage for the demos that caught the ears of Creation Records. That small act of support became the spark for a genre-defining sound.

2. Influences from the Shangri-Las to industrial noise
The album’s DNA blends the sugar-sweet melodies of 1960s girl groups with the raw textures of German industrial music. Imagine the Shangri-Las meeting Einstürzende Neubauten in a haze of reverb — a combination that somehow feels both nostalgic and daringly fresh.

3. A six-week whirlwind recording session
Psychocandy came together in just six weeks at Southern Studios in North London. With John Loder engineering, the band balanced experimentation with instinct, layering songs that felt both immediate and timeless. The result still feels like lightning captured in a bottle.

4. A drumbeat borrowed from pop royalty
The iconic “Just Like Honey” begins with a drum pattern inspired by Hal Blaine’s legendary intro to The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby.” It’s a subtle nod to pop’s golden age, giving listeners a warm invitation before the track blooms into its dreamy haze.

5. Algarve sunshine meets Scottish noise
The video for “You Trip Me Up” was filmed in Algarve, Portugal — a sun-soaked backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the band’s feedback-rich sound. It’s a reminder that Psychocandy’s world is bigger than dimly lit clubs; it thrives equally under a blazing sky.

From a family’s faith in their sons’ creativity to unexpected seaside video shoots, Psychocandy’s story is full of moments that match its fearless sound. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, now is the perfect time to drop the needle, turn up the volume, and let those melodies and feedback waves wash over you all over again.

DeeOhGee Teams With Buy Before You Stream for Limited-Edition ‘49-50’ Vinyl, Produced by J.D. Cronise, Out August 29

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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DeeOhGee Teams With Buy Before You Stream for Limited-Edition ‘49-50’ Vinyl, Produced by J.D. Cronise, Out August 29

Buy Before You Stream has announced its latest artist partnership: the genre-defying Nashville trio DeeOhGee, whose new single “49-50” will be released August 29th as a limited-edition 7-inch exclusively on vinyl. This marks the first in a series of vinyl-first releases from the band under the Buy Before You Stream banner, with more to be announced in the coming months.

The new 7-inch features two distinct versions of “49-50.” The A-side is a studio-mastered take that blends Delta-blues phrasing with razor-edged garage rock, while the B-side is a live cut recorded at Midtopia’s Somewhere Works in Wichita, KS, a creative hub run by the nonprofit innovation lab Midtopia, which backs the Buy Before You Stream initiative. Fans can pre-order now at buybeforeyoustream.com; vinyl begins shipping August 29th. The single will arrive on streaming platforms two weeks later, on September 12th.

The studio version of “49-50” was produced by J.D. Cronise of The Sword at Mike Fahey’s Starbird Sound Studios in Nashville as part of “Follow the Song,” DeeOhGee’s ambitious year-long recording series that paired the band with a rotating cast of esteemed producers for one-off collaborations.

heir latest single “49-50” marks a new chapter: intentionally collaborative, joyfully chaotic, and soaked in old-school soul. Lyrically, “49-50” is a bluesy fever dream – equal parts protest chant and surreal backwoods parable. With lines about cold beds, reefer rivers, and smoking ducks, the song walks a line between heartache and humour, channelling the band’s deep roots in American folk poetry and
wide-eyed wordplay.

Whether they’re jamming in a van, barreling down backroads, or breaking into spontaneous harmonica howls in studio sessions, DeeOhGee is here to celebrate the roots of American music while setting fire to the rulebook. With new music on the way and an album in the works, DeeOhGee is bringing their sweat-soaked roadshow across the country this fall. Their upcoming tour includes festival dates at AmericanaFest and Black Mountain Jamboree, with more headline shows to be announced.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://deeohgee.org.

Tour Dates:

August 8th – Saturday, August 9th – Yuba, WI – People Fest at Driftless Music Gardens
August 19th – Kansas City, MO – Minibar
August 29th – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works (Thom Chapman Release Party)
September 6th – Charlotte, NC – River Jam Concert Series at Whitewater
September 7th – Charlotte, NC – Thirsty Beaver Saloon
September 9th – Nashville, TN – AmericanaFest – Paul McDonald’s ONE BIG LOVE
September 10th – Nashville, TN – AmericanaFest – Black Mountain Happy Hour
September 10th – Nashville, TN – AmericanaFest – Artist Ideas Official MIdtopia & Tour Tech Spotlight Event
September 13th – Nashville, TN – AmericanaFest – Official Artist Showcase
September 19th – Louisville, KY – Whirling Tiger
September 20th – Lawrenceburg, KY – Wildfolk Music Fest
October 3rd – Cumberland, KY – Black Mountain Jamboree
October 9th – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall (with High Fade)
October 10th – Huntington, WV – The Loud
October 11th – Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant Street (with High Fade)
October 17th – Waycross, GA – Gram Parsons Guitar Pull
October 24th – Chicago, IL – Robert’s Westside
October 25th – Appleton, WI – Appleton Music Factory

Jimmy O’Keefe Releases Seven-Track Album ‘Good Night Nobody’ Built Entirely with Live Looping

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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Jimmy O’Keefe Releases Seven-Track Album ‘Good Night Nobody’ Built Entirely with Live Looping

Baltimore singer-songwriter Jimmy O’Keefe just dropped his first release of the year, Good Night Nobody. The seven-song album is full of raw emotion led by O’Keefe’s character-filled vocals. Built entirely using live looping, the album blends acoustic folk with experimental sounds that feel both simple and heavy.

The first song on the album, “Angels and Dust,” is a stripped-back track led by Jimmy’s vocals and acoustic guitar. It feels like you’re right there in the room with him. In the middle of the album, “Rather Be Alone” comes in with a steady, train-like rhythm and a catchy, upbeat energy.

The final track, “Ego Death,” closes things out with soft synths and layered vocals, leaving listeners in a reflective, almost dream-like state. It’s a gentle ending to an album full of big feelings.

This release transports listeners into a state of emotion and reflection. O’Keefe says, “I came into the studio with an RC-600 and two days to record seven songs. What came out feels like an elegy for someone who forgot how to cry—so he just stacked his own voice until it sounded like grief.”

Each song on Good Night Nobody tackles a different fear—whether it’s fear of being forgotten, losing control, or just facing yourself. Inspired by artists like Mount Eerie and Sufjan Stevens, Jimmy turns anxiety and sadness into something strangely beautiful. It’s music that makes you stop, sit still, and maybe feel a little less alone.

Listen to the new album Good Night Nobody, out now.

Conjurer Announce New Album ‘Unself’ Out October 24 via Nuclear Blast Records, Share First Single ‘Hang Them In Your Head’

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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Conjurer Announce New Album ‘Unself’ Out October 24 via Nuclear Blast Records, Share First Single ‘Hang Them In Your Head’

British metal heavyweights Conjurer return with news of their mighty third album, Unself, which will be released on the 24th of October via Nuclear Blast Records.

To commemorate the moment, the band have also unveiled the first single from the release, “Hang Them In Your Head.”

Conjurer will be touring Unself across the UK and Europe in November. UK dates will be supported by Pijn and Death Goals, and EU dates will be joined by Frail Body.

UK Tour Dates:

Nov 09 – Damnation Festival, Manchester (CONJURER only)
Nov 11 – The Joiners, Southampton
Nov 12 – The Underworld, London
Nov 13 – Strange Brew, Bristol
Nov 14 – Asylum, Birmingham
Nov 15 – Cathouse, Glasgow

European Tour Dates:

Sep 13 – Inkestas Festibal – Sopela (Spain)
Oct 28 – La Bulle Cafe – Lille (France)
Oct 29 – Point Éphémère – Paris (France)
Oct 30 – Le Grillen – Colmar (France)
Oct 31 – Werk Kultur Lokal Baden – Baden (Switzerland)
Nov 1 – Ziggy Club – Torino (Italy)
Nov 2 – Alchemica Music Club – Bologna (Italy)
Nov 4 – Backstage – München (Germany)

Cardi B Drops ‘Imaginary Playerz’ Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Am I The Drama?’ Out September 19

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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Cardi B Drops ‘Imaginary Playerz’ Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Am I The Drama?’ Out September 19

GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-diamond selling superstar Cardi B releases “Imaginary Playerz” out now, the second offering from her highly anticipated upcoming sophomore album, Am I The Drama? available everywhere September 19th. Released today, the track is produced by DJ SwanQo, Sean Island, and OctaneThisThatGas, with a companion video directed by Cardi B and Patience Foster. To celebrate the launch of “Imaginary Playerz,” Cardi B will be taking over Apple Music Radio from their new Los Angeles studio for one hour of programming curated by Cardi herself. Fans can listen live at http://apple.co/am-studios.

Fresh off the heels of her showstopping WWE hosting debut at SummerSlam on August 2nd, Cardi hit the stage previewing new music from her forthcoming album, furthering the anticipation of its upcoming release. To kick off this new era, she dropped her first track “Outside,” available everywhere now. “Outside” debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming her 13th Top 10 hit. In addition, “Outside” peaked at #1 on Apple Music during its release weekend, marking her first #1 since the multi-platinum “Up.”

The fiery new anthem release follows her appearance at the Cannes Spotify Beach Party on Wednesday, June 18th, where she debuted “Outside” live for the very first time. She also performed at LadyLand Festival in Brooklyn, NY, on Thursday, June 27th, where she was introduced by special guest Scarlet Envy—creating an iconic onstage moment.

“Enough (Miami),” released in March 2024, was a blazing track and the perfect record to kick off the spring break season. “Enough (Miami)” was accompanied by a high-octane companion visual (directed by: Patience Harding) following Cardi’s previous release, “Like What (Freestyle).” Both records served as the follow-up to a groundbreaking collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos.” Prior to “Bongos,” the pair released the historic and viral sensation, “WAP.” In 2020, this hit song (Feat. Megan Thee Stallion)” affirmed Cardi B as one of Apple Music’s most popular artists of all time, earning the platform’s highest-ever debut by a female artist as well as the fastest song in Apple Music history by a female artist to peak at #1. It also went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaked at #1 on rhythmic radio, and rose to #2 on urban radio. “WAP” also won Favorite Song – Rap / Hip-Hop at the American Music Awards and won Best Collaboration and Video of the Year at the BET Awards. It was also nominated for Collaboration of the Year at the American Music Awards, nominated for five categories at the MTV Video Music Awards, and nominated for Best Music Video at the iHeart Music Awards. The visual has now reached over 550M views and the audio now has over 3.7B streams.

Laufey Brings ‘A Matter of Time’ to Life With Surprise Guggenheim Performance for Spotify

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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Laufey Brings ‘A Matter of Time’ to Life With Surprise Guggenheim Performance for Spotify

On an otherwise ordinary Wednesday afternoon at one of New York City’s most iconic museums, Spotify treated visitors to an extraordinary surprise. As patrons explored Guggenheim New York’s famous rotunda during open visiting hours, the unmistakable sound of a cello began to echo through the space. Soon, it was joined by the soaring, timeless voice of Laufey, who appeared for an unannounced performance to celebrate her forthcoming album, A Matter of Time.

The event, “An Afternoon with Laufey and Spotify,” was a one-of-a-kind experience for lucky museum-goers and a curated group of Laufey’s top listeners on Spotify. In partnership with her label, AWAL, Spotify was thrilled to help bring this magical moment to life, offering fans an exclusive sneak preview of her highly anticipated album before it arrives on August 22.

The performance was a true intersection of music, movement, and fashion. Set against the backdrop of the museum’s graceful curves and a string ensemble, Laufey performed her unreleased album tracks “Clockwork” and “Mr. Eclectic,” followed by performances of “Falling Behind,” “Silver Lining,” and “From The Start.” The effect was a classic, romantic, and fantastical atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated the world she’s built around her new album.

A Matter of Time stems from Laufey’s experiencing real love for the first time and confronting the range of emotions that come with it. The 14-track project is a diary of feelings, from the beautiful to the ugly, all wrapped in her signature jazz-pop sound. The album’s visual world, inspired by old English manors and art deco design, further enhances its classic, academic feel—a style her fans lovingly call “Laufeycore.”

For Laufey, this is just the beginning of a massive back half of the year. Following the album’s release, she will embark on a sold-out U.S. arena tour.

Listen to Laufey’s new album, A Matter of Time, on Spotify.

Maroon 5 Drops ‘Love Is Like’ Featuring Lil Wayne, LISA of Blackpink, and Sexyy Red — Plus 2025 Arena Tour With Claire Rosinkranz

Music

Eric Alper

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Aug 15, 2025

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Maroon 5 Drops ‘Love Is Like’ Featuring Lil Wayne, LISA of Blackpink, and Sexyy Red — Plus 2025 Arena Tour With Claire Rosinkranz

Today, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning Diamond-certified band Maroon 5 proudly release their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Love Is Like (Interscope), available everywhere now.

To accompany the new album, the band will embark on a national U.S. arena tour that will kick off this fall (please see full tour routing below). Tickets are on sale now. The 23-date Live Nation promoted run will visit major markets coast to coast, including a hometown show at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and a stop at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, before concluding on November 25 in Detroit, MI. Claire Rosinkranz will be direct support on all tour dates.

To mark the album’s release, the band has also unveiled the music video for the standout title track, “Love Is Like,” featuring hip hop legend Lil Wayne. The new single delivers a dynamic and high-energy anthem complimented by Lil Wayne’s distinctive flow. Accompanying the track is a playful music video directed by Aerin Moreno (Tate McRae, Tyla) that follows the band through a whirlwind day on the streets of New York City.

Watch the video for “Love Is Like HERE

Maroon 5 first previewed their new album with the infectious lead single “Priceless,” a collaboration with LISA of Blackpink, which brought together two global pop stars whose voices are known & loved by generations of fans around the world. Billboard called the track “a major pop crossover moment” while Rolling Stone proclaimed it an “infectious pop song”. The song climbed to No. 4 on the Hot AC chart, earning Maroon 5 their 28th Top 10 at Hot AC—second all-time only to Taylor Swift—and extending their streak of most Top 10s for a duo or group in chart history. The stylish music video for the track was directed by Aerin Moreno.

The band followed with the magnetic single “All Night,” accompanied by a vibrant 80s-inspired music video which saw Behati Prinsloo Levine take her husband’s place at center stage, backed by the full band, including Adam Levine on saxophone. Most recently, Maroon 5 released “California,” a stripped-back and nostalgic track led by warm acoustics and subtle production.

Love is Like marks a return-to-form for the Diamond-Certified group and their first LP since 2021’s JORDI. With their new music the group highlights their roots, while subtly expanding their sound on their newly released magnetic single “All Night”. The track spotlights Adam Levine’s rhythmic vocal hooks, layered over bass, percussion, synths, and saxophone. To herald in the album’s release, Maroon 5 kicked off the month with a performance live from Rockefeller Plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series on TODAY. The band is also set to perform at iHeart’s Las Vegas Music Festival on September 19th.

LOVE IS LIKE Track List:
1. Hideaway
2. Love Is Like (feat. Lil Wayne)
3. All Night
4. Yes I Did
5. Priceless (feat. LISA)
6. I Like It (feat. Sexyy Red)
7. Burn Burn Burn
8. Jealousy Problems
9. My Love
10. California

Maroon 5 2025 Tour Dates:

10/6: Phoenix, AZ – PHX Arena
10/8: Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
10/10: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
10/17: Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
10/18: San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
10/21: Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
10/23: Portland, OR – Moda Center
10/25: Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
10/28: Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
10/29: St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
11/2: Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
11/4: Austin, TX – Moody Center
11/5: Houston, TX – Toyota Center
11/7: Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
11/9: North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
11/11: Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
11/13: Chicago, IL – United Center
11/14: Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
11/16: Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
11/19: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
11/22: Boston, MA – TD Garden
11/24: Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena
11/25: Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena