On 'Mellotron Variations,' A 1960s-Era Instrument Makes A Comeback
Intended only for home use, the Mellotron became a sonic tool for The Beatles, The Moody Blues and David Bowie. Now it's inspiring a new generation of musicians.
Music & Culture
From Lawn Mowers To Rock Concerts, Our 'Deafening World' Is Hurting Our Ears
Volume Control author David Owen says our ears largely evolved in a far quieter time than the one we currently live in. He warns that the ambient noises that surround us pose a threat to our hearing.
Josh Homme's Rotating Supergroup The Desert Sessions Returns For 'Vols. 11 & 12'
Musicians on the Queens of the Stone Age frontman-led album include ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Primus' Les Claypool.
Reissue Captures Nat King Cole Before He Broke Through To Mainstream
Early in his career, Cole formed a trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. Hittin' the Ramp, a new 7-CD roundup, showcases the band that help catapult Cole to stardom.
Viking's Choice: Turntable Noise, Metallic Hardcore, Hobbitwave
You suddenly find yourself in a white room. A playlist spins turntablist Maria Chávez, Counterparts' rip-up-the-pit breakdowns and Tuluum Shimmering's hairy ambient. How do you feel?
Of Monsters And Men Adds Synth Flourishes On 'Fever Dream'
The Icelandic band's latest album includes more synthesizers and electronic instruments, including a tiny little keyboard called an OP-1.
Jacob Collier's 5 Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts
The multi-talented wunderkind (and previous Tiny Desk Concert performer) is a longtime fan of the series — here, he shares his wide-ranging favorites.
British Politician's Catchphrase Lives On In Belgian Dance Track
John Bercow relinquished his post as speaker of Britain's House of Commons, but he has a new place in the world of house music. Bercow's catchphrase "Orderrrr" can be heard in the song called "ORDER."
Gang Starr's 'One Of The Best Yet' Is A Welcome Throwback To An Earlier Rap Era
Hip hop duo Gang Starr broke up in the mid-2000s and in 2010, MC Guru died. So fans were surprised by the announcement of a new, posthumous album called One Of The Best Yet.
Years After Her Parents' Murder-Suicide, Musician Allison Moorer Finds Healing
More than three decades after the death of her parents, Moorer has a new memoir and companion album, both called Blood, about her abusive father and the emotional scars of being orphaned at 14.