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10 Music Videos That Revel in ’60s Nostalgia

By Judy Berman on

The title of She & Him’s latest music video may be “Don’t Look Back,” but the clip itself is all about nostalgia for the ’60s. Just when we thought Zooey and M. Ward couldn’t get any more adorable right? From the bright, Technicolor-like tones to the mid-century sets and wardrobe to the retro narration, “Don’t Look Back” is a quick and comforting vacation to a simpler time. After the jump, check out the She & Him clip, plus nine more music videos that will transport you back to the swingin’ ’60s. … Read More

Music

Coachella Lineup Exceeds Our Wildest Dreams

By Judy Berman on

It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m. when we learned that Coachella had announced its much-anticipated 2011 lineup. And guess what? It’s pretty incredible. Look past the predictable headliners — Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Kanye West, The Strokes — and you’ll find a varied list of acts so alluring it might just tempt you to throw down for a three-day pass and plane tickets.

Now, let’s talk some of the more unexpected entries on the schedule. … Read More

Music

A Celebration of Music’s Most Reclusive Artists

By Judy Berman on

Musicians are, almost by definition, exhibitionist types — given to loud costumes, flashy spectacles, well-publicized romances, and various publicity stunts. But how about the exceptions that prove the rule, those recluses who have always made their music in seclusion, shied away from performing, or retreated to a shack in the middle of nowhere after years of fame? You may question what’s driven them away from the adoration of millions, but in the end, you also have to respect them for refusing to cash in and feed tabloid culture.

In fact, December has been a big month for these mysterious iconoclasts, what with Neutral Milk Hotel’s Jeff Mangum showing up to perform a set in Brooklyn and Lauryn Hill announcing a string of tour dates. After the jump, we take a look at the careers of some of music’s most reclusive artists, from Syd Barrett and Scott Walker to Hill and Mangum. … Read More

Music

Rock the Bells Indulges Our ’90s Nostalgia with Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang Clan

By Judy Berman on

Remember last month, when the announcement that Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Gorillaz, etc. would headline Lollapalooza got us excited for a whole new era of contemporary-minded summer music festivals? Remember us cheering the end of ’90s nostalgia? Well, this is not that kind of post. This morning brings the news that none other than the reclusive Lauryn Hill will be appearing as a “special guest” at one of our favorite summer tours, Rock the Bells. We’re not sure what exactly that means, but considering she’s basically the Jeff Mangum of the hip-hop world, her mere presence may be worth the price of admission. … Read More

Daily Dose

Daily Dose Pick: Nneka

By Doug Levy on

Garnering comparisons to the likes of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, international star Nneka is ready to make her mark on the US.

Making music that blends soul, hip-hop, and global grooves with a positive political message, Nneka bridges the divide between her homeland of Warri, Nigeria and her adopted home of Hamburg, Germany. The striking singer/songwriter has two albums under her belt overseas, and makes her US debut this week with a four-song EP, The Uncomfortable… Read More

Music

The 50 Essential Women-In-Music Albums, Part 2

By Brian Underwood on

Welcome to part deux of our round up of the 50 greatest albums by popular female artists. This week’s list spans a half century, from the swinging jazz of the 1950s to the birth of socially-conscious hip hop in the late nineties. To recap our criteria: we limited ourselves to only one album per artist and featured bands had to be fronted solely by a female performer. Mostly importantly, we wanted to feature works that have become a seminal influence on the music industry as a whole.

So without further ado, selections 11 through 20 (in no particular order) – and don’t forget to check back next Friday for Part 3.… Read More