Distant Fuzzy Radio Signals
A rundown of stuff that matters, this week featuring Jeff Parker, Dylan Henner, Funeral Lakes, Aiko Takahashi, and the recording duo of Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill.
Working it Out — Jeff Parker Revisits 'The New Breed'
Ten years after 'The New Breed' merged his love of J Dilla with his background in jazz composition, the Tortoise guitarist discusses mentorship, the practical realities of a music career, and why he makes the records he wants to hear.
Elbow to Elbow, Boisterous but Calm
This week's snazz-fest features amazing musicians Brainwasher, Hampus Lindwall, Shakti, Wes Corbett, and Harrison Argatoff. 100% free of kings.
Organs in the Abyss — Hampus Lindwall Rewires Sacred Tradition
The Paris-based organist's album 'Brace for Impact' pairs the seventy-eight-stop pipe organ at St. Antonius Church with Stephen O'Malley's metal riffs, Xenakis-inspired glissandos, and iPad-based composition software.
Particularly Proud of the Goat Horn
This week, the newsletter introduces a format tweak alongside our (un)usual round-up of irresistible recommendations and The Tonearm's recent features. Huzzah!
Digging Through the Ashes — Chris O'Leary on Bowie, Blogging, and Music Writing's Future
The author of 'Rebel Rebel' discusses his revised deep dive into David Bowie's formative years, the organic growth of his song-by-song blog, and why he fears the resources that supported his research may not exist for future music writers.
Gobsmacked by Neil Young's Ghost
This week: primal performances, noise pollution, poetic entanglement, misunderstood media, and demised authors — not to mention all the links and recommendations. This note's for you.
Have Saxophone, Will Travel — Donny McCaslin Follows His Own Map
The saxophonist discusses his latest album 'Lullaby for the Lost,' the ongoing evolution of the Blackstar Symphony, and why he's stopped listening to the voice that once told him his music wasn't "hip enough" for the jazz crowd.
Librarian of the Proverbial Sticks
This week, we're curating with public funds, outwitting prospectors, looping historical memory, practicing effortless action, and waking up early. Plus: a tasteful bonus from M. Sage.
The One That Got Away — Rain Parade's Matt Piucci Reclaims 'Crashing Dream'
The Paisley Underground guitarist discusses the deluxe reissue that finally presents Rain Parade's 1985 album as intended, the supportive Los Angeles scene that shaped them, and how collaborative art remains "the beautiful puzzle" that keeps him creating.
Talking About the Texture Generation
In this issue: academic gamelan, bodysuit Buchla, B.J. Cole's model trains, and so much more. Plus, you'll find the expected rabbit hole-inducing links and recommendations.
Robin Holcomb, Peggy Lee, and the Art of Musical Patience
After twenty years of performances and one shelved recording, the pianist-songwriter and cellist finally capture their unique blend of contemporary classical, avant-jazz, and American folk on 'Reno'.