ACL 2014: The Top 20 Albums of the Year
This year’s #1 pick united the staff, and will be seen by many as the obvious choice. But surprises abound deeper down the list, no more so than our #2 pick, which challenges the entire definition of “album.” The 20
ACL 2014: The Top 20 Albums of the Year
This year’s #1 pick united the staff, and will be seen by many as the obvious choice. But surprises abound deeper down the list, no more so than our #2 pick, which challenges the entire definition of “album.” The 20
ACL 2014: The Year’s Best Album Covers
Album covers are a funny thing. Some take months of planning and fine tuning while others spring up in the spur of the moment with no editing required. This year’s crop of covers features this spectrum of approaches, but, as
ACL 2014: The Year’s Best Album Covers
Album covers are a funny thing. Some take months of planning and fine tuning while others spring up in the spur of the moment with no editing required. This year’s crop of covers features this spectrum of approaches, but, as
ACL 2014: Top Ten Rock, Post-Rock, Folk and Jazz
Post-rock returns with a vengeance on this year’s chart, as more than half of the entries hearken back to the golden years of not too long ago. The consummate playing of scene stalwarts is a comfort to those who wonder
ACL 2014: Top Ten Rock, Post-Rock, Folk and Jazz
Post-rock returns with a vengeance on this year’s chart, as more than half of the entries hearken back to the golden years of not too long ago. The consummate playing of scene stalwarts is a comfort to those who wonder
ACL 2014: Top Ten Modern Composition
Listening again to these albums, we’re reminded of the aching beauty that graces modern composition. From “Atomos VII” to “going backwards to recover what was left behind”, from “The Musk Ox” to “pino” to “you are not alone, dear wolf”,
ACL 2014: Top Ten Modern Composition
Listening again to these albums, we’re reminded of the aching beauty that graces modern composition. From “Atomos VII” to “going backwards to recover what was left behind”, from “The Musk Ox” to “pino” to “you are not alone, dear wolf”,
ACL 2014: Top Ten Field Recording & Soundscape
Field recordings and soundscapes do much more than reflect the sounds of nature. They also delve into local culture and artificial sound environments; they serve as travelogues, historical statements, and calls to political action. An environment once captured is never
ACL 2014: Top Ten Field Recording & Soundscape
Field recordings and soundscapes do much more than reflect the sounds of nature. They also delve into local culture and artificial sound environments; they serve as travelogues, historical statements, and calls to political action. An environment once captured is never
ACL 2014: Top Ten Experimental
The Experimental section is our home for improvisors, alchemists, and pioneers. These composers are never satisfied with the status quo. They seek to push music forward, and they prefer progress to popularity. Some may eventually receive a small amount of
ACL 2014: Top Ten Experimental
The Experimental section is our home for improvisors, alchemists, and pioneers. These composers are never satisfied with the status quo. They seek to push music forward, and they prefer progress to popularity. Some may eventually receive a small amount of
ACL 2014: Top Ten Electronic
Electronic music isn’t just for dancing, although there’s plenty of dance music included in our year-end list. The list also includes childlike lullabies, dense sonic fuzz, and smooth, languid excursions. The eclectic selection below represents a cross-section of our tastes.
ACL 2014: Top Ten Electronic
Electronic music isn’t just for dancing, although there’s plenty of dance music included in our year-end list. The list also includes childlike lullabies, dense sonic fuzz, and smooth, languid excursions. The eclectic selection below represents a cross-section of our tastes.
ACL 2014: Top Ten Drone
The extended tones of drone can undulate and loop or attack like disturbed bees; they can lull one to sleep or startle one awake. Both types of drone are represented in this year’s picks. Some familiar names are present, joined
ACL 2014: Top Ten Drone
The extended tones of drone can undulate and loop or attack like disturbed bees; they can lull one to sleep or startle one awake. Both types of drone are represented in this year’s picks. Some familiar names are present, joined
a closer listen 