Nico - "These Days"

One of these days, I'll remember Jackson Browne wrote this song.

Chappell Roan - "Pink Pony Club" (Live at the Grammys)

Sometimes, you hear a song a bunch of times but it never fully connects. You know it's good, but it always feels like someone else's favorite, never yours. Then you hear it in the right context, and it finally clicks. Anyway, here's my go-to version of "Pink Pony Club." 

Das Racist - "You Oughta Know"

In honor of that new Billy Joel documentary, which I haven't seen yet, let's enjoy one of the best uses of a Joel sample in a hip-hop song. 

My Interview With Spinal Tap

They're back, and they're louder and dumber than ever. For the Los Angeles Times, I sat down with Spinal Tap to talk about politics, doves and their new movie, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Check it out. 

(Photo by Jason Armond.) 

'Devo' Review

I saw Devo at Sundance in 2024. At long last, the film is now available to watch for everybody else. My review is up at the A.V. Club.

A Tribe Called Red (featuring Northern Voice) - "Sisters"

Last week, as part of Susan's days-long birthday celebration, we and some friends went to Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me, which was a treat. As part of the exhibit, there was a video installation featuring this song. I've been listening to it for days.

George Harrison - "Beware of Darkness"

I first became aware of this song thanks to Concert for George, the 2003 concert film in tribute to George Harrison. His old pal Eric Clapton did a lovely version of "Beware of Darkness," which was one of the movie's highlights. The original is integral to a film coming out this weekend. I may have swooned.

supermodel* - "I used to live in england"

Geography's not that hard
Just look at a map
Sometimes Americans are dumb

Ozzy Osbourne - "No More Tears"

Growing up in the Midwest at the time I did, it was impossible not to be aware of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. I can't pretend Ozzy's work with his iconic band or as a solo artist was foundational for me. (Wasn't the whole point of Nirvana that it was an antidote to that sort of theatricality in hard rock?) But the orchestral bombast, killer riffs and suite-like sweep of "No More Tears" remains as cheesy/silly good as ever. Rest in peace to an artist who impacted so many lives. Also, this is worth remembering: 

If you’re looking for hope in the world, just remember that Jimmy Swaggart died a disgrace while Ozzy Osbourne died universally beloved.

— Ponsonby Britt (@hockeenight.bsky.social) Jul 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Lamenting 'Smurfs,' Debating 'Eddington'

Katie Walsh and I were at the KCRW studios yesterday to talk about this weekend's major movie releases. My big takeaway? Lots of stinkers! 

You can hear our reviews of Eddington, Smurfs and I Know What You Did Last Summer down below. (We also discuss an upcoming 70mm screening of 1984's Streets of Fire.)

Lord Huron (featuring Kristen Stewart) - "Who Laughs Last"

After not loving Kristen Stewart's directorial debut or Love Lies Bleeding, it's very nice to report that she absolutely slays in this Lord Huron song. Video's cool, too.

My Review of Paul Simon's 'A Quiet Celebration' Tour

The first concert I ever attended was for Paul Simon. On Saturday, I saw him for the fourth time, and perhaps the last time. Over at InsideHook, I wrote about an emotional evening filled with thoughts about death, God and the afterlife. (It also gave me a chance to muse on his 2023 album Seven Psalms.) Hope you enjoy. 

Cerrone - "Supernature (Instrumental 'Climax' Edit)"

There are several versions of this 1977 disco track floating around. But I chose the one used in Gaspar Noe's Climax. (Thanks to Christine and the Queens for reminding me of it.)

The Tubs - "One More Day"

When I first heard the Tubs, I thought, "Wait, is this Bob Mould's new solo album?" Owen Williams does sound a little like the former Husker Du frontman, but the more I listened to Cotton Crown, the more this Welsh band started to establish its own personality. Any similarities to the college rock you loved in your younger years is, I'm sure, purely coincidental.

 

What's the Funniest Moment in 'This Is Spinal Tap'?

This Is Spinal Tap returns to theaters this weekend in a remastered, restored version. For Cracked, I ranked this all-time comedy's 50 best moments. Enjoy! 

The Best Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)

Rolling Stone asked a bunch of its contributors to work on a massive list of the best films of the 21st century. Remarkably, we're already 25 years into this new century, which means a lot of good movies. As always, I didn't have any say in the final rankings, but I did some of the write-ups, including Y Tu Mama Tambien, Inside Llewyn Davis, Dogville, Burning, Uncut Gems, I Am Not Your Negro, The Souvenir and others. Dive in. 

HAIM - "Relationships"

This song has been out for months, but it sounds so much better now that it's summer.

The Clash - "I'm So Bored With the U.S.A."

I hadn't heard this in a while. Brought a smile to my face.

My Interview With Jonathan Gould, Author of 'Burning Down the House'

Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock is an exhaustive biography of the seminal band and the city that shaped them. For Paste, I talked to author Jonathan Gould (himself a musician) to discuss many things: David Byrne's autism, Stop Making Sense's greatness, and why the band is never ever getting back together. You can read my Q&A here.

The Beach Boys - "In My Room"

When Susan was a kid, she fell in love with "In My Room." She still loves it. In honor of Brian Wilson's passing, let's give it a listen.