In 1993, Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries brought “Dreams” to life on Irish TV’s Kenny Live, delivering a performance so pure and powerful it still echoes today. At just the beginning of their career, they reminded us what it feels like to fall in love — for the first time, and forever.
10 Glam Rock Albums That Turned Glitter Into Gold
The glam rock explosion didn’t tiptoe into the ‘70s—it barged in, feather boa wrapped, lipstick smeared, and volume maxed. These weren’t albums that played nice. They strutted, seduced, and rewired the rules of rock. Below are 10 of the finest glam rock records ever made—albums that not only defined a sound, but also painted the culture in glitter and guyliner.
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – David Bowie (1972)
This is the glam rock blueprint, a cosmic opera that gave the world an alien messiah in a jumpsuit. Bowie blurred the line between art and artifice, playing Ziggy like Shakespeare played Hamlet. The riffs shimmer, the lyrics haunt, and the whole thing felt like a broadcast from another planet with better makeup.
Electric Warrior – T. Rex (1971)
Marc Bolan was the poet laureate of glitter, and Electric Warrior is his crown jewel. There’s groove, swagger, and just enough mysticism to make you question your own reflection. “Get It On” wasn’t a suggestion—it was a sonic seduction with fuzz pedals.
Aladdin Sane – David Bowie (1973)
This was Bowie going full jet-set lunatic. The piano breaks shattered convention, the fashion blurred genders, and every song felt like a journal entry from a beautifully unhinged genius. Bowie wasn’t following trends—he was predicting them and leaving them in the dust.
Desolation Boulevard – Sweet (1974)
With hooks sharp enough to slice leather pants, Sweet perfected the bubblegum-metal fusion. “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run” don’t age—they detonate. This album reminded everyone that pop could punch and mascara could maim.
New York Dolls – New York Dolls (1973)
The Dolls dressed like drag queens and played like punks. Their debut was a sneer dipped in glitter, paving the way for glam, punk, and every garage band that ever looked in the mirror and said, “Why not us?” There’s blood under the sparkle, and it rocks harder for it.
Transformer – Lou Reed (1972)
Produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson, this album walked the streets of New York in heels and shadows. “Walk on the Wild Side” was a whisper that roared. Reed turned glam into noir—sleazy, sweet, and too cool to care what you thought.
Kimono My House – Sparks (1974)
Sparks weren’t from this planet, and Kimono My House proves it. With operatic vocals, jerky rhythms, and lyrics about moustaches and existential crises, this album carved its own glitter-covered corner in glam’s palace. Ron and Russell Mael made weirdness fashionable.
Easter – Patti Smith Group (1978)
While not glam in the fishnet-and-feathered-sleeves sense, Easter shimmered with poetic rebellion and warpainted clarity. Patti Smith stomped through genres in combat boots and divine fury. This album captured her righteous fire and Bowie’s permission to fly the freak flag high.
The Slider – T. Rex (1972)
If Electric Warrior opened the door, The Slider moonwalked through it in platforms and silk. Bolan turned cryptic into charismatic and transformed love songs into spells. This album didn’t evolve glam—it steeped it in velvet and magic.
Diamond Dogs – David Bowie (1974)
Part Orwell, part opium dream, Diamond Dogs saw Bowie dragging Ziggy into dystopia. The guitars were sharper, the vision darker, and the theatricality fully unleashed. This album staged glam’s end-of-days carnival—and the glitter never looked so grimly glorious.
“Rise Up and Sing” Proves Music Can Still Change the World in Andrea Warner’s Powerful Book for Young Activists
A protest anthem can’t pass legislation—but it can spark the fire that makes someone try. In Rise Up and Sing! Power, Protest, and Activism in Music, author Andrea Warner and illustrations by Louise Reimer turns up the volume on that idea, weaving together decades of artists who have used their platforms, lyrics, and lives to push for justice. This is more than a history book—it’s a call to action for young readers, a playlist for the heart, and a crash course in how to sing truth to power.
From Beyoncé’s feminist anthems to Lil Nas X’s unapologetic queerness, from the protest legacy of Nina Simone to the righteous rage of Neil Young, Warner curates a journey through the movements that shaped—and are still shaping—our world. Each chapter focuses on a different front in the fight for justice—climate action, gender equality, peace, human rights, and more—with a custom playlist that connects readers directly to the music that moves movements.
Whether you’re marching, dancing, or crying in your room, Rise Up and Sing! reminds us that music doesn’t sit on the sidelines. It marches, it chants, it protests, and most importantly—it brings people together. This book belongs in classrooms, community centers, and the hands of every young person ready to change the world, one beat at a time.
“Oh Didn’t They Ramble” Explores the Genre-Bending Legacy of Rounder Records in David Menconi’s New Book
What is American roots music? Any definition must account for a kaleidoscope of genres from bluegrass to blues, western swing to jazz, soul and gospel to rock and reggae, Cajun to Celtic. It must encompass the work of artists as diverse as Alice Gerard and Alison Krauss, George Thorogood and Sun Ra, Béla Fleck and Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, the Blake Babies and Billy Strings. What do all these artists and music styles have in common? The answer is a record label born in the wake of the American folk revival and 1960s movement politics, formed around the eclectic tastes and audacious ideals of three recent college grads who lived, listened, and worked together. The answer is Rounder Records.
For more than fifty years, Rounder has been the world?s leading label for folk music of all kinds. David Menconi’s book is the label’s definitive history, drawing on previously untapped archives and extensive interviews with artists, Rounder staff, and founders Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy, and Bill Nowlin. Rounder?s founders blended ingenuity and independence with serendipity and an unfailing belief in the small-d democratic power of music to connect and inspire people, forging creative partnerships that resulted in one of the most eclectic and creative catalogs in the history of recorded music. Placing Rounder in the company of similarly influential labels like Stax, Motown, and Blue Note, this story is destined to delight anyone who cares about the place of music in American culture.
10 Iconic Music Videos That Broke the Internet
Music videos have always been part of the story. But these 10? They rewrote it. From crashing YouTube to birthing memes to sparking global movements, these clips didn’t just go viral—they became part of our collective memory. Let’s hit play on the moments that melted servers, changed pop culture, and made us all hit replay (again…and again).
1. “Gangnam Style” – PSY (2012)
The video that literally broke YouTube’s view counter. PSY’s galloping, tongue-in-cheek masterpiece became the first video to hit a billion views. With its absurd choreography, unforgettable hook, and pure unfiltered joy, “Gangnam Style” turned a South Korean star into a global phenomenon—and made invisible horses the new dance craze.
2. “Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga (2009)
Lady Gaga didn’t just drop a music video—she dropped a fashion opera. “Bad Romance” gave us white latex, razor-blade sunglasses, and a choreography clinic set in a bathhouse of the future. Gaga redefined what a pop star could be—and in doing so, helped usher in the era of the “visual album” and full-scale pop spectacle.
3. “This Is America” – Childish Gambino (2018)
In four jaw-dropping minutes, Donald Glover lit the internet on fire with imagery that was as urgent as it was unforgettable. Every frame of “This Is America” begged to be paused, rewound, and debated. A powerful commentary on race, violence, and distraction, it was a viral moment with real-world impact.
4. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé (2008)
One camera. One take. One leotard. Beyoncé turned minimalism into maximum cultural impact. The choreography was instantly iconic, spawning thousands of dance covers and parodies—and even more marriage proposals. “Single Ladies” wasn’t just a hit; it became a pop culture reference point. Forever.
5. “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus (2013)
One sledgehammer. One wrecking ball. One era destroyed. “Wrecking Ball” launched a thousand think pieces and reminded us that a music video can be both raw and meme-able. Love it or not, it marked a moment where Miley shattered her Hannah Montana past and claimed her new, unapologetic identity.
6. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson (1983)
The blueprint. The OG. The reason music videos are a thing. Michael Jackson’s 14-minute horror epic wasn’t just a music video—it was a cultural reset. With werewolves, zombie choreography, and Vincent Price’s sinister laugh, “Thriller” became the most influential video of all time before the internet even existed. And it still breaks it every Halloween.
7. “Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj (2014)
It’s cheeky. It’s NSFW. And it broke Vevo’s 24-hour record with 19.6 million views. “Anaconda” delivered a riotous jungle gym of color, attitude, and twerking. But beneath the booty and bananas was a masterclass in control, ownership, and flipping the script on how women are presented in pop.
8. “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar (2017)
From burning heads to Last Supper imagery, Kendrick’s “HUMBLE.” delivered stunning visual metaphors and holy verses. Every shot was layered, cinematic, and ready for a screenshot. It’s not just a song—it’s a short film that had fans dissecting every frame like a grad school thesis.
9. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift (2014)
Taylor’s cheeky, meta take on haters and hip-hop culture launched a new era. Whether she was cheerleading, breakdancing, or ballet twirling, “Shake It Off” was made to be memed. The song topped charts, but the video turned T-Swift into a viral chameleon—self-aware, unstoppable, and ready to play.
10. “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee (2017)
Before TikTok was the kingmaker, “Despacito” ruled with 7 billion views and counting. The beachy, sensuous visuals paired with an irresistible melody made it a global phenomenon. Even Justin Bieber jumped on the remix. “Despacito” didn’t just break the internet—it made the internet sing in Spanish.
These weren’t just music videos. They were cultural earthquakes. The kind that remind us just how powerful a few minutes of music and visuals can be. So go ahead—press play. Again.
Dark Archer Releases “Hidden Eyes” In A Daring Anthem Of Awakening And Truth
Dark Archer returns with Hidden Eyes, a piercing new single that unearths the hidden truths beneath society’s polished lies. In this evocative track, a lone traveler flees from a collapsing order, bearing witness to haunting visions-a mother and daughter with golden, anxious stares, silent crowds marked by invisible scars, and a coercive figure whose promises mask a darker reality.
Rooted in Dark Archer’s signature blend of atmospheric soundscapes and razor-sharp lyrics, Hidden Eyes challenges listeners to open their inner vision and confront the pervasive deception that veils our world. This release is a bold continuation of Dark Archer’s ongoing narrative, inviting audiences to question appearances and embrace the awakening that comes from seeing what’s truly hidden.
“Hidden Eyes is our call to unmask the familiar, to pierce through the façade that numbs our senses. It’s about awakening-finding the courage to look beyond what’s visible and challenge the status quo,” says Dark Archer.
Bryan Martin Releases ‘Years In The Making’ and Gears Up for Stagecoach, Nationwide Tour, and New Collabs
Today, acclaimed chart-topping country artist BRYAN MARTIN delivers his 13-track LP, Years In The Making, via Average Joes Entertainment. MARTIN continues to build momentum following his RIAA-certified platinum hit, “We Ride,” and the success of his rising single, “Wolves Cry,” currently climbing the country radio charts. In 2023, the Cherokee Indigenous American artist achieved a career milestone with his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, stepping into the venue’s sacred circle.
Hollywood producer and actress Janace Tashjian took the helm as the producer for the official music video of the project’s focus track, “What About Me.” Tashjian — recognized for her roles in Avatar (2009) and more recently Father Stu — was joined by Rosalind Ross as director. The video follows a young cowboy on his quest to buy his first guitar, alluding to a journey that echoes MARTIN’s own upbringing and early experiences with music.
On April 16 in Lexington, KY, MARTIN will hit the road for his 27-date tour of the same name, with select shows featuring support from Ben Roberts and Taylor Austin Dye. Adding to the excitement, MARTIN is set to make his debut at the legendary Stagecoach Festival, bringing his hard-hitting country sound to one of the genre’s biggest stages.
On February 7, MARTIN dropped the final single from the project, “Ain’t My Old Man.” Written by MARTIN, Lee Thomas Miller and Nick Walsh, “Ain’t My Old Man” delves into MARTIN’s relationship with his father, capturing the universal moment of realizing you’ve inherited more from your parents than you ever expected. Showcasing his signature poetic lyricism and authentic storytelling, the song is another testament to his songwriting ability, reminding us that he writes what he lives. Robert Oermann of MusicRow, hailed it as “Well written, well sung and perfectly produced. Play this.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2G9__0YmaE
“I think a lot of us grow up wanting to be like our dads, but at the same time saying ‘I don’t want to be nothing like that when I grow up,” MARTIN shares. “I want to have more patience and teach my kids how to do things. Then you grow up and sometimes you catch yourself in moments where you’re just like ‘man, I’m just like that guy.’”
YEARS IN THE MAKING TRACKLISTING:
“What About Me”
“Wishbone”
“Goin For Broke”
“Headstrong”
“Buzzards” (Explicit)
“Cowboy In This Indian”
“Silver and Gold” (feat. Ben Roberts)
“Years In The Making”
“Don’t Come Lookin For Me” (feat. Marty Stuart)
“Wolves Cry”
“Ain’t My Old Man”
“Gettin Fore The Gone”
“Easier Bein Me”
Following the success of his Platinum-certified anthem “We Ride,” which has garnered over 300 million streams and soared into the Top 3 at country radio, BRYAN MARTIN earned a 2024 MusicRow Awards nomination for “Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year.” MARTIN’s career-defining moments, including “We Ride” landing at No. 3 on Billboard’s “Country Airplay” chart and the music video accumulating more than 57 million views, have solidified his growing presence in country music. At 36, MARTIN continues to redefine the country music ladder with over 800 million career streams, millions of monthly listeners, and a grit-soaked sound that resonates across a vast audience. Furthermore, he has shared the stage with Jason Aldean, Chris Young, and even rocked stadiums alongside Morgan Wallen on the blockbuster “One Night At A Time” Tour, solidifying his reputation as a rising force in country music.
However, MARTIN’s rise didn’t come easy. Born and raised in Logansport, Louisiana, his journey began in church, singing as a child. By eight, he was covering George Strait at local fairs, encouraged by his mother, who had shared stages with legends like Faron Young and Alison Krauss. But life took a hard detour. He pursued bull riding, worked hay fields, and battled substance abuse, hitting rock bottom at 19. A near-fatal car accident reignited his passion for songwriting, pushing him to make his guitar pay off and confront his struggles head-on.
Albums like If It Was Easy (2019), Self Inflicted Scars (2022), and Poets & Old Souls (2023) reveal a true artist who has survived the darkness and emerged with songs that speak to the heart of the working-class experience. With each new release and tour date, MARTIN proves that the best songs don’t just tell stories — they live and breathe in the spaces between struggle and triumph. With his signature rough-edged voice and raw, honest storytelling, MARTIN continues to demonstrate his talent for turning profound emotion into unforgettable music.
MARTIN’s songs are like the old bar stool you sink into after a brutal day — steady, familiar, and brimming with stories. It hugs you like a friend who’s seen the worst of you and still sticks around, or hits like a gut-punch wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. His music cuts to the bone, channeling the raw highs and lows of life into melodies that linger long after the last note fades.
BRYAN MARTIN is set to keep his momentum rolling throughout 2025 with new music — including his latest single, “Shades” with Colt Ford featuring Yelawolf — and a packed lineup of tour dates.
YEARS IN THE MAKING TOUR:
* w/ Ben Roberts
^ w/ Taylor Austin Dye
HYBE America and Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Reunite in Game-Changing Distribution Deal
HYBE America is proud to announce a new distribution partnership with So So Def Recordings, the legendary label founded by Grammy-winning producer, Songwriters Hall of Famer, and cultural architect Jermaine Dupri. The partnership marks a deeply personal full-circle moment for Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, who began his career under Dupri’s mentorship at So So Def.
“Everything I learned about the music business started with Jermaine,” said Braun. “He gave me my first shot when I was just a kid with a dream. I was blessed to witness genius up close – and now, years later, it’s an honor to return to where it all began and stand beside him as a partner.”
The deal gives So So Def access to HYBE America’s full distribution and marketing infrastructure, empowering the label to reintroduce its powerful catalog and launch new artists, such as DVSN and more, with a modern global reach. With a legacy that helped shape the sound of the ’90s and early 2000s, So So Def is responsible for launching and producing some of the most iconic artists of the last three decades – including Usher, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Nelly, Bow Wow, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Xscape, and most recently the Grammy-winning viral sensation Muni Long.
“This isn’t just a business move – this is family,” said Jermaine Dupri. “Watching Scooter build what he has built has made me incredibly proud. He learned the game inside So So Def, and now he’s in a position to open doors the way I once opened them for him. That’s what legacy is about.”
From his early days as a 19-year old club promoter and marketing executive working under Dupri, Scooter Braun has become one of the most influential figures in music – discovering and managing some of the biggest artists in the world and now leading HYBE America in its mission to shape global culture. But despite the meteoric rise, Braun has never forgotten his roots.
“Jermaine Dupri isn’t just a legend – he’s one of the greatest producers and executives of all time,” Braun added. “He changed the sound of a generation. This deal is about giving him the modern tools and reach his legacy deserves, and making sure the next generation hears what the last one already knows: Jermaine Dupri is a giant.”
The announcement has already sparked excitement across the industry, with many calling the deal a symbol of loyalty, longevity, and the power of paying it forward in an industry that lacks such stories.
So So Def and HYBE America are expected to begin rolling out new music under the deal in the coming months, including both legacy releases and brand-new signings, such as DVSN.
Warner Records Celebrates Record Store Day 2025 with Exclusive Vinyl Drops
This Saturday is Record Store Day 2025 and Warner Records and affiliated labels are releasing exclusive vinyl to celebrate. Warner Records remains a proud official sponsor of Record Store Day since its inception.
Each of the titles listed below will be available at all participating Indie retailers this Saturday. Click here for the list of participating stores around the world.
Omar Apollo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – “Te Maldigo” (From “Queer”) : 7″ Single on Cobalt Blue vinyl. Limited to 1650 copies for US & Canada.
Omar Apollo releases a special Record Store Day 2025 Exclusive Cobalt 7″ Vinyl from the A24 film, Queer. “Te Maldigo” was written for the film and produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The song is accompanied by a music video directed by Luca Guadagnino, where Omar can be seen in character performing the song.
blur – The Magic Whip (10th Anniversary) : Single LP Zoetrope Picture Disc.
Record Store Day 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of blur’s iconic album The Magic Whip with a special, half-speed mastered limited edition zoetrope picture disc. This unique release features vibrant, original artwork, presented in an intricately designed die-cut sleeve. The Magic Whip is blur’s 8th studio album and includes the tracks “Ghost Ship,” “Go Out,” “Lonesome Street” and “Ong Ong.”
Dead Sara – Ain’t It Tragic : Single LP on Lemonade Yellow vinyl. Limited to 5,400 copies worldwide.
Approaching 20 years as one of Los Angeles’ hardest rocking outfits, Dead Sara’s debut for Warner Records, Ain’t It Tragic-the group’s third album-is a “musical rebirth for the band.” With Emily Armstrong (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Siouxsie Medley (lead guitar, backing vocals) and producer Sean Friday (drums, backing vocals), Ain’t It Tragic was originally released in 2021 on CD and digital. The 11-track album featured two singles: “Heroes” and “Hands Up.” This the first vinyl release of Ain’t It Tragic.
Liam Gallagher – Acoustic Sessions : Single LP on Silver & Blue color-in-color mix vinyl.
Liam Gallagher’s Acoustic Sessions features stripped-back versions of tracks from his 2019 album Why Me, Why Not alongside Oasis classics: “Cast No Shadow,” “Sad Song” and “Stand By Me.” Acoustic Sessions was originally released digitally in January 2020 and will now be available exclusively for Record Store Day 2025. Each vinyl is individually hand pressed, making every copy unique.
Gorillaz – Demon Days (Live from the Apollo Theater) : 2x LP on Red vinyl.
Record Store Day 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Gorillaz’ iconic 6x platinum album Demon Days with the release of Live from the Apollo Theater, the first vinyl pressing ever from the recording of the iconic 2006 show in Harlem, New York. Demon Days Live consisted of two residencies, with five shows played at the Manchester Opera House and another five played at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. This limited edition vinyl is presented in a striking gatefold sleeve and includes the singles “Feel Good Inc.,” “DARE,” “Dirty Harry,” “Kids with Guns” and “El Ma-ana.”
Griff – Vertigo (Live from Alexandra Palace) : 12″ EP on Cream White vinyl. Limited to 4,000 copies worldwide.
For the first time on vinyl this Record Store Day, Griff releases Vertigo (Live from Alexandra Palace), a stunning live rendition of tracks from her debut album that solidifies her status as the UK’s next great pop star. Featuring electrifying performances of tracks like “Vertigo,” “last night’s mascara” (with Aziya), and “Tears For Fun,” the album captures Griff’s signature blend of raw emotion, intricate production, and bold creativity. Vertigo takes listeners on a powerful coming of age journey through melancholy, euphoria, and self-discovery, all framed by Griff’s visionary approach to music, fashion, and design. This live album is a must-have celebration of her artistry, offering fans a new way to experience the whirlwind brilliance of Vertigo.
The Wreckers – Stand Still Look Pretty : Single LP on Violet vinyl. Limited to 4,100 copies worldwide.
The Wreckers are Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp, and their album Stand Still, Look Pretty was released in 2006. After touring to promote the album, Branch and Harp returned to their solo careers and, to date, this is the only studio album by the band. The album features the hit “Leave The Pieces,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart and received a Grammy nomination. The 12-track, Gold certified album debuted at #14 on the Billboard Top 200 and includes the stand-out songs “My, Oh My,” “The Good Kind,” “Tennessee,” “Lay Me Down,” and the title track. This is the first release of the album on vinyl.
Andy Toomey Releases New EP ‘Masterpiece’ With Touch Guitarist Markus Reuter And Drummer Zach Alford
After last year’s successful sessions with Stick Men-produced Andy Toomey’s bold prog EP Perseus Calling the songwriter was excited to continue the trend. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts prevented Bassist Tony Levin and drummer Pat Mastelotto from participating, so drummer extraordinaire Zach Alford (Bowie/NIN, B52’s, Psychedelic Furs & many more) stepped into the breach with Stick Men touch guitarist Markus Reuter and a plan was laid.
Due to the somewhat last-minute nature of the sessions the decision was taken to do virtually no prep work and write in the studio. Toomey says “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but also WAY outside my comfort zone. Professional music production costs being what they are, coming in cold is an even more risky venture than usual. Thankfully, Markus is a consummate improviser, and his encouragement gave me the confidence to go with it. I’m so very glad I did!”
The resulting EP, Masterpiece, is another tour de force, coming across as both fearless and timeless. The backing tracks were cut on a Saturday in August with uber engineer Scott Petito (Scott Petito Productions), who provided a rough mix for Toomey to come up with lyrics, which they then recorded the next day. Mixed by Bassist/producer Fabio Trentini and Markus, the new EP crackles with life, evoking Pink Floyd and Nine Inch Nails, with a heaping helping of Toomey’s usual inventiveness.
Of the title Toomey says “Being somewhat self-effacing, I wasn’t too comfortable calling my own record a masterpiece. That just happened to be the title of one of the tracks, which unsurprisingly is about a woman, and a rather evil one at that. Once again Markus came to the rescue, saying “This actually tracks as a masterpiece and deserves the name.”