Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
Ministry ‘From Beer To Eternity’ Review: Ministry’s (supposed) swan song is often hit and miss, but the late Mike Scaccia’s guitar work still impresses. [rating=3] If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years about Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen, it’s that he’s often prone to exaggeration. His new tell-all book surely benefits from colorful embellishments when […]
Just like a car crash, Just like a knife, My favorite weapon, Is the look in your eyes. Looking back on an Iconic Industrial classic The Land of Rape And Honey 30 years on. I remember the first time I heard Stigmata, the opening battle-cry of Ministry’s 1988 album The Land Of Rape And Honey. I thought perhaps I’d […]
Albums Revisited: The Cult’s ‘Electric’ Turns 30. a look back at why The Cult’s breakthrough album set the stage for heavy alternative rock and the decline of hair metal. Note: this article was originally published in 2013: it has since been updated. Earlier this week I got a chance to see The Cult at ACL […]
Vista Chino ‘Peace’ Review: Former members of Kyuss rock on as Vista Chino. And they make a pretty good case for stoner rock minus Josh Homme. [rating=3] Unless your name is Josh Homme, being a member of stoner rock legends Kyuss hasn’t been easy lately. The band was continuing as Kyuss Lives, but Homme slapped them […]
The Cult turn in an electrifying ‘Electric 13’ set at ACL Live. [rating=4] The Cult’s ACL Live gig started on a tense note. Opening band White Hill’s meandering psych-rock went over like a lead balloon. The crowd wasn’t having it (although a drunk middle-aged dude kept yelling for the female bassist to “take off your top!” Classy.) After […]
On the edge of their fall tour, The Pixies have released a surprise four song EP, entitled EP 1. You can order the EP in a variety of formats on the band’s official website. The first single from the EP, ‘Indie Cindy’ has a video which the band debuted today. You can watch it below. […]
The Sisters Of Mercy: ‘Floodland’ Revisited: A look back at The Sisters’ grandiose goth masterpiece on its 30th anniversary. Note: this post originally appeared in 2013. It has been updated. I recently wrote about why ‘The World’s End’ soundtrack rocks. It prominently features This Corrosion, a goth staple from The Sisters Of Mercy. Given the renewed […]
Jane’s Addiction’s Nothing’s Shocking turned 25 years old last week. And boy does that make me feel old. The album came out when I was in high school for God’s sakes. Nothing’s Shocking’s title was a misnomer because the album proved a lightening rod for controversy. It started with the album cover, which featured a sculpture […]
The Poll Results Are In For The Worst Sequels of All Time! Alright folk’s the vote’s are in for The Worst Sequels To Good Movies. I have tied entires arranged in alphabetical order. And if you’re a glutton for punishment (or disagree with these picks), I’ll have Amazon links under each entry. Here’s the Top, […]
Nine Inch Nails ‘Hesitation Marks’ Album Review. Trent Reznor lightens up, just a bit. And that’s okay. [rating=5] Trent Reznor put Nine Inch Nails on ice back in 2009, saying: I’ve been thinking for some time now it’s time to make NIN disappear for a while. In the meantime he became an Oscar winning film […]
