James Stafford
22 Years Ago: Blur Release the Britpop Battle Cry ‘Parklife’
Damon Albarn and Blur drew from England's rich musical past to create a witty and poignant postmodern masterpiece that defined the Britpop era.
Why the Death of a Musician Hits Us So Hard
When the people who create the soundtracks to our lives leave us, the personal moments they were a part of immediately come back into focus.
Cover Stories: Smashing Pumpkins, ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’
Like musical notes, the individual elements on the cover of Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 opus are relatively meaningless on their own – but together, they tell a beautiful story.
Cover Stories: Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’
The front sleeve of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' set the tone for thrash metal artwork. Here's the story behind the cover.
24 Years Ago: Lollapalooza Makes Its Debut
Daytime temperatures hit 111 degrees, Nine Inch Nails played a one-and-a-half minute set and Jane's Addiction got into a fistfight on stage. It's July 18, 1991.
Nine Inch Nails’ ‘With Teeth,’ 10 Years Later
NIN's fourth full length album captures Trent Reznor at a turning point.
Check Out Post-Punk Legends Reimagined as Marvel Superheroes
Artist Butcher Billy reimagines New Wave and post-punk icons like Morrissey as Marvel superheroes and the results are awesome.
Musicians vs. Performers: The Endless Debate
The music industry is full of artistry. Here's how musicians and performers differ.
Why Must the Music Die With the Artist?
Life's short, music is forever. Let's get over our "original member" fetishes and just enjoy the show.
Politicians vs. Musicians: A Brief History
The Dropkick Murphys are far from the first band to have a dust up with a politician. Here are some other famous feuds.
Are Musicals the Mom Jeans of Rock and Roll?
Rock musicals are big business, but are they really rock and roll?
Martin Luther King Jr. On the Power of Music
"Everybody has the Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved."