Music
Fagen’s Critical Catalogue (February 2013)
This month, reviews of Miguel, Tame Impala, Swans, Killer Mike, and Future.
Music
Art
Helter Skelter! A Record Store that Only Stocks the White Album
The record store experience currently inhabiting Recess gallery's Soho space feels like any other vinyl hub: bins of albums to flip through in the center, staff picks on the walls, a turntable rotating with scratchy music. Yet this one has a surreal twist: the only thing in stock here is the Beatles
Music
Fagen's Critical Catalogue (January 2013, Part 2)
In part 2 of this month, reviews of Lana Del Rey, Kid Koala, Japandroids, Cat Power, and Alabama Shakes.
Music
Fagen's Critical Catalogue (January 2013, Part 1)
This month, reviews of Pink, Macklemore, Bruce Springsteen, The Coup and Grimes.
Music
Mic Drop: 2012 Hip-Hop Faves
2012 was a good year for hip-hop heads not least because it was a year that saw the emergence of Joey Bada$$, a preternaturally-gifted rapper from Flatbush who (incredibly) turns just eighteen later this month.
News
Bob Dylan's Latest Album Is a Copyright Ploy
Master songwriter Bob Dylan's latest release looks like an invitation to steal. The cover of the 86-track compilation is a photograph of worn paper, like the surface of an old file folder. On the front is scribbled in marker: Bob Dylan: The Copyright Extension Collection Vol. 1. It may put the viewe
Music
Thinking About Frank Ocean
CHICAGO — In the summer of 2011, back before his blown-up image started selling thousands of records, I discovered Frank Ocean while looking through a batch of new releases, through a then-mysterious single called “Novacane.” First I was drawn in by the lyrics, with their Kubrick references, subtle
Music
Fagen's Critical Catalogue (December 2012)
This month, reviews of Kendrick Lamar, a collection of international dance music, Miss Pooja, Bat For Lashes, the Funkees, Elle Varner, Pitbull, and Gudda Gudda.
Music
Fagen's Critical Catalogue (November 2012)
I hate to say this after Obama’s reelection, but my faith in popular taste has been shaken a little: except for Fiona Apple, none of the biggest sellers this month are worth your time. You could think of these records as the music industry’s way of stealing your money. Or you could simply refuse to
Music
Fagen’s Critical Catalogue: Run-DMC Special
CHICAGO — Inspired by Michael Tatum’s Downloader’s Diary, where Tatum has so far published two full-artist reviews, I tried my hand at this form, and this is where it got me. It’s a great excuse to extensively play records I otherwise wouldn’t have enough time for, not to mention a way to understand
Music
Fagen's Critical Catalogue (October 2012)
This month, reviews of Twin Shadow, Bob Dylan,The Rough Guide to Highlife, Istanbul 70, The Sheepdogs, Orient Noir, Deadmau5, and Jens Lekman.
Music
Fagen's Critical Catalogue (September 2012)
This month, reviews of Flo Rida, Ab-Soul, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Purity Ring, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Blood on the Dance Floor, Frank Ocean, and Lee Brice.