Heed the Song of the Symphonic Frog
This week, we explore the sounds our peeper friends make, how to recontexutalize harmonica tension, and yet another excuse to add to your guitar collection. Also: a couple of delicious album recommendations.
From Soundribbons to Shoreline Symphonies — Knox Chandler's Creative Transformation
After four decades as a collaborator for artists like R.E.M. and Cyndi Lauper, the guitarist has retreated to rural Connecticut to create his first solo work and discover what he calls "my truth."
We Remain in the Mist-Space
This issue of your favorite Sunday newsletter explores the advantage of the ambiguous, the implications of microphone placement, the lure of bean-washing sounds, and the anarchist's trombone. Also: bicycles.
Soul and Landscape — Raz Olsher Reimagines the Spaghetti Western
The London producer discusses how island isolation and a borrowed Gretsch guitar led to 'Craters of the Lost Souls,' his haunting soundtrack to an imaginary Western film that doubles as a tribute to Ennio Morricone's cinematic legacy.
The Black Watch's Twenty-Fifth Album Asks the World of You
John Andrew Fredrick discusses The Black Watch's album 'For All The World,' how broken bones shaped his solitude, and why making demands of listeners remains essential to meaningful art.
What's the Sound of One Record Skipping?
A recurring theme of constraints, as we explore counting duets, Beethoven's royalties, and elegant accidents. Also: our usual raft of recommendations and know-how.
The Yōkai in the Yard — Brain Damage's Post-Dub Pivot
Martin Nathan's 'Oide Oide' pairs Japanese supernatural creatures with experimental compositions, featuring collaborator Emiko Ota and dub legend Mad Professor in a project that redefines what dub music can become.
Words That Float — Ingrid Laubrock Discovers Music Inside Koans
The saxophonist and composer transforms Erica Hunt's enigmatic fragments into 'Purposing the Air,' a double album that pairs poetry with four carefully chosen vocal-instrumental duos.
Maneuvering the Sacred Theater
"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon." In this weekend's Talk Of The Tonearm, we read the oracle, sing in unison, bring the noise, and then go completely gonzo.
A Tidal Wave of Love — Our Tribute to Brian Wilson
Behind the California sunshine, harmonies, and groundbreaking production techniques lies a complex artist battling inner demons. Three takes on why Brian Wilson's music remains a refuge for so many.
Kinan Azmeh Takes the Sound of Syria's Streets on a World Tour
The Damascus-born clarinetist discusses his philosophy of musical freedom, the power of long-term collaboration, and how his latest release, 'Live in Berlin,' captures nearly two decades of creative partnership with his CityBand quartet.
Musical Accents + Boxcar Encounters
Microtonal bluegrass, experimenting on children, drums that aren't drums, and wobbling tape decks all feature in this week's wildly passionate episode of the Talk Of The Tonearm newsletter.