Best known for co-founding the early punk duo Suicide, Alan Vega lived a complex and labyrinthine life, driven by a desire to express himself uncompromisingly through art. From his first sketch in art class at Brooklyn College to the 2021 release of the album Mutator five years after his death, Vega continues to shock and inspire. This first-ever biography of Vega tells the story of the man’s life and art, beginning with his early attempts to live a “normal” life and his epiphanic encounter with Iggy Pop in 1969. Although becoming a performer on stage had been at the bottom of Vega’s list of lifetime ambitions, Iggy changed his mind: he needed music to truly express his vision. Infinite Dreams goes on to describe Vega’s many experiments across a variety of media, including the partnership with Marty Rev that became Suicide, which challenged audiences to look deep inside themselves and to not settle for distractions. A raw but engaging exploration of a man whose artwork, music, and philosophy inspired thousands, written by award-winning author Laura Davis-Chanin together with Liz Lamere, Alan Vega’s wife and long-term creative collaborator.
SWV Brings Iconic ’90s R&B to NPR’s Tiny Desk
SWV graced the Tiny Desk with soulful harmonies and timeless hits, reminding us why they’re among the greatest girl groups in history. From “I’m So Into You” to “Weak,” their performance celebrated decades of influence, style, and connection.
The Wiz Cast Brings Broadway Magic to NPR’s Tiny Desk
The cast of The Wiz revival dazzles with stripped-down renditions of Broadway classics, showcasing their raw talent and heartfelt storytelling. From Alan Mingo Jr.’s commanding presence to Nichelle Lewis’ emotional finale, the performances celebrate the enduring magic of The Wiz.
My Next Read: “They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us” by Hanif Abdurraqib
In an age of confusion, fear, and loss, Hanif Abdurraqib’s is a voice that matters. Whether he’s attending a Bruce Springsteen concert the day after visiting Michael Brown’s grave, or discussing public displays of affection at a Carly Rae Jepsen show, he writes with a poignancy and magnetism that resonates profoundly.
In the wake of the nightclub attacks in Paris, he recalls how he sought refuge as a teenager in music, at shows, and wonders whether the next generation of young Muslims will not be afforded that opportunity now. While discussing the everyday threat to the lives of Black Americans, Abdurraqib recounts the first time he was ordered to the ground by police officers: for attempting to enter his own car.
In essays that have been published by the New York Times, MTV, and Pitchfork, among others—along with original, previously unreleased essays—Abdurraqib uses music and culture as a lens through which to view our world, so that we might better understand ourselves, and in so doing proves himself a bellwether for our times.
My Next Read: “I Sing to Use the Waiting: A Collection of Essays about the Women Singers Who’ve Made Me Who I Am” By Zachary Pace
I Sing to Use the Waiting: A Collection of Essays about the Women Singers Who’ve Made Me Who I Am is a vital and affecting reflection on how popular culture can shape personal identity.
With remarkable grace, candor, and a poet’s ear for prose, Zachary Pace recounts the women singers—from Cat Power to Madonna, Kim Gordon to Rihanna—who shaped them as a young person coming-of-age in rural New York, first discovering their own queer voice.
Structured like a mixtape, Pace juxtaposes their coming out with the music that informed them along the way. They recount how listening to themselves sing along as a child to a Disney theme song they recorded on a boom box in 1995, was when they first realized there was an effeminate inflection to their voice. As childhood friendships splinter, Pace discusses the relationship between Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford. Cat Power’s song “My Daddy Was a Musician” spurs a discussion of Pace’s own musician father, and their gradual estrangement.
Resonant and compelling, I Sing to Use the Waiting is a deeply personal rumination on how queer stories are abundant yet often suppressed, and how music may act as a comforting balm carrying us through difficult periods and decisions.
5 Surprising Facts About Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Appetite for Destruction’
If you were around in 1987—or wish you were—then you’ve probably cranked up Appetite for Destruction, the explosive debut album that not only put Guns N’ Roses on the map but set it on fire. With its gritty, unfiltered look at rock ’n’ roll life, the album became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and dominating the charts a year after its release. But even with its legendary status, there’s still more to uncover about this masterpiece. Let’s dive into five little-known facts that’ll make you appreciate Appetite for Destruction even more.
1. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” Almost Didn’t Happen
What started as a warm-up riff by Slash—something he called “a circus melody”—turned into the band’s only U.S. number-one single. Axl Rose overheard the jam session, wrote lyrics inspired by his then-girlfriend Erin Everly, and the song was born. But here’s the twist: Slash wasn’t a fan at first. He thought it was too different from the band’s usual gritty sound. Thankfully, the rest of the band pushed forward, giving us one of the most iconic rock ballads ever.
2. The Rocket Queen Recording Had Real-Life Drama
The steamy mid-song break in “Rocket Queen” features recorded audio of a passionate encounter between Axl Rose and Adriana Smith, a friend of the band. The controversial recording was meant to capture the raw, uninhibited energy the band was all about. Smith later said she participated willingly, knowing it would be part of the album, but it remains one of the most talked-about moments in rock history.
3. The Original Cover Art Was Too Shocking for Stores
Before the now-famous skulls-on-a-cross artwork became the cover, Appetite for Destruction featured a painting by Robert Williams that depicted a robot attacker and an avenger. Retailers, however, balked at the image, calling it too graphic. The band compromised by moving the original artwork inside the album sleeve, swapping it for the cross design we all know today. Axl Rose later revealed that he wanted the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion as the cover art, but Geffen Records shot down the idea, calling it “in bad taste.”
4. “Welcome to the Jungle” Almost Didn’t Air on MTV
MTV initially refused to play the music video for “Welcome to the Jungle,” fearing it was too edgy for their audience. But David Geffen himself intervened, persuading the network to play it just once—at 4 a.m. The response was immediate and overwhelming, leading MTV to put the video in regular rotation. The song’s success paved the way for the album’s eventual climb to the top of the Billboard 200.
5. Izzy Stradlin’s Quiet Contributions Shaped the Album
While Slash’s guitar wizardry and Axl’s searing vocals stole the spotlight, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin quietly became the backbone of the album’s songwriting. Tracks like “Think About You” and his collaborative work on others reflect his influence. Stradlin’s punk and blues roots helped balance the band’s hard rock edge, giving Appetite for Destruction its unique, genre-defying sound.
From Slash’s iconic riffs to Axl’s fiery vocals, Appetite for Destruction is celebrated for its hits, but it’s the behind-the-scenes stories make it even more fascinating. So, the next time you press play on this groundbreaking record, remember: every track has a tale, and every tale has a little chaos. Isn’t that what rock ’n’ roll is all about?
Review of the “Super Sweet ” slot at Sky Crown Casino
By Mitch Rice
Video slots with colorful designs and interesting mechanics continue to grow in popularity among gambling enthusiasts. “Super Sweets” from Betsoft is an example of a game that is able to attract attention thanks to its design and a variety of bonus features. The sweet theme of the slot creates a light atmosphere. Additional winning opportunities make this slot an interesting choice for those looking for variety.
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General information about the slot “Super Sweets”
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Key features of the slot
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Why play Super Sweets at Sky Crown Casino
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Advantages of the slot and recommendations
The slot “Super Sweets” stands out due to its bright theme and ease of mastering. Sticky wild symbols and bonus rounds make the game dynamic and increase the chances of big wins. Pleasant visual design and sound effects create an atmosphere where it is easy to relax and enjoy the process. Additional features such as free spins add even more appeal to the game.
Sky Crown Casino offers easy access to this slot, providing users with a stable and safe game. The platform offers attractive bonuses and regular promotions that make playing Super Sweets even more rewarding. It is recommended to start by testing the game in demo mode to get used to the mechanics and rules. When you feel confident, you can proceed to the full game, enjoying all the features and functions.
Conclusion
Betsoft’s Super Sweets slot is a successful combination of pleasant design and exciting features. Sticky wild symbols, bonus rounds and free spins make it an interesting option for those looking for something new. Simple mechanics and clear rules are suitable for both beginners and those who have long been familiar with games of this genre. This format is perfect for a change in your leisure time.
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Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
The Bee Gees And Guns N’ Roses Meet Leo Sayer In Mashup For The Ages
What do the Bee Gees, Guns N’ Roses, and Leo Sayer have in common? Bill McClintock’s genius remix! Add White Zombie, Jimi Hendrix, and Boston, and you’ve got a wild, genre-bending masterpiece.
Postmodern Jukebox Makes Imagine Dragons’ ‘Radioactive’ Shine with Soul
Celebrating 10 years of genre-defying brilliance, Postmodern Jukebox reimagines Radioactive with Rogelio Douglas Jr.’s powerhouse vocals and a show-stopping beatbox-scatter solo.