Musings on the past and present state of music, film, and pop culture. Get off my lawn.
10 Best Alternative Rock and Metal Albums of 2023: these are the albums that got us through a crazy year. It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2023. And that means it’s time for SLIS to do our annual Best-of Year list. 2023 was not a massive year for rock. But what it lacked in […]
Musta Paraati ‘Black Parade’ Review: Finnish post-punkers release first album in 34 years. One thing I’ve realizes as a music blogger is that no matter how many bands from a certain era you think you know, there’s always a “new” vintage gem to discover. Such is the case with Musta Paraati , a post-punk/goth act who emerged during […]
Episode 9: 30 Albums Turning 30 In 2018: The Best Albums of 1988-SLIS Podcast: celebrating the best alternative and metal albums turning 30 this year. For anyone who has followed my blog for a while, you’re used to reading my best-of lists by year (including 1987, 1991, 1992, 1997 and, most recently, 1998). They’re always […]
Episode 4: Sponge’s Vinnie Dombroski Talks 2018 Tour-SLIS Podcast: alt-rock frontman discusses band’s current tour, working on new music, looking back on their legacy, the future of rock and roll and much more in our new interview. We were off for a bit, but the SLIS podcast is back in a big way this week. […]
A Hawk And A Hacksaw’s Jeremy Barnes Talks New Album ‘Forest Bathing’: drummer for folk rock duo discusses evocative new album. Albuquerque, New Mexico based folk duo A Hawk and Hacksaw are back with Forest Bathing, their eighth studio album, (due April 13th via Living Music Duplication). The press release for the new album states that drummer […]
Monster Magnet ‘Mindfucker’ Review: Dave Wyndorf makes a party record to help survive the Trump era. [rating=4] I had this idea in my head that this would be kind of a “good time” record…But with a real Detroit edge to it….Why not? I’d never done that before. When writing an album of songs, I always […]
Concert Review: The Jesus and Mary Chain at Emo’s, Austin: Scottish noise-pop icons flattened eardrums in fine style. Full admission: I don’t wear earplugs to concerts. I know, I know–I’ll pay for it when I’m older (yes I know I’m already old…shut up), but it takes me out of the moment when I wanna rock […]
30 Rock Albums Turning 40 in 2017: The Best of 1977: from punk to metal to electronic music, ’77 was one of the most pivotal years in music history. Here are the 30 best albums from four decades ago. By SLIS and Peter Marks This Saturday marks two major musical milestones–the 40th anniversaries of two […]
Queens of the Stone Age ‘Villains’ Review: Josh Homme and co. embrace dance music without losing their quirky edge. [rating=4] If Queens of the Stone Ages uptempo new album Villains feels like a reaction against 2013’s somber, mortality examining …Like Clockwork, it’s by design. In a recent radio interview, band mastermind Josh Homme described it […]
SLIS Holiday Gift Guide: Best 2016 Music Box Sets: our picks for the best alternative, punk, metal and classic rock box sets, reissues, Blu-rays, deluxe vinyl and other music related items that make perfect holiday gifts for music lovers. Hard to believe it but the holiday are almost upon us. And with it comes the […]
