Pitchfork and the Absolute State of Music Journalism | A plague on all your houses
Pitchfork, one of the world’s most illustrious and trusted music outlets, is folding. They are just the latest in a long line of casualties, but t...
Posts by: Archie Brydon
Unknown T at KOKO review | Blood Diamond launches in style
Unknown T took to the stage at London’s KOKO to mark the announcement of his debut album, Blood Diamond. Find our review of the gig below.
1989 (Taylor's Version) review | Swift's classic gets better still
Already the pop star’s magnum opus, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) sounds better than before, with tracks from the vault improving it further still.
Massive Attack guitarist Angelo Bruschini dies
Angelo Bruschini, the Massive Attack guitarist who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, has died, the group has confirmed this morning.
New Music Friday | Featuring ‘Dancing Circles’ by Sampha
It’s Friday evening. The sun is setting. It's not even 6 o'clock. Winter is nigh. At least we’ve been treated to some brilliant albums and exciting singles this week. Find the best in our weekly round up in New Music Friday.
For All The Dogs review | Drake’s arsenal of hits misfires
The “old Drake” was supposedly going to reappear on For All The Dogs. Sadly, it's the “new Drake”: bloated, hollow and directionless.
New Music Friday | Featuring ‘Sweet Sounds of Heaven’ by The Rolling Stones
There’s some really exciting new tracks out this week. From the return of Jorja Smith to another album from Cleo Sol to the lead single for PinkPantheress’ debut album. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, some guys called the Rolling Stones enlisted none other than Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder for ‘Sweet Sounds of Heaven’, just their second new song in 18 years.
Björk, Avelino and RAYE among 2023 AIM Award winners
Avelino was the biggest winner at the 2023 AIM Independent Music Awards last night, with Björk and Wet Leg also taking home silverware.
Date announced for 2024 BRIT Awards
We’ve got a date for the 2024 BRIT Awards, with the flagship ceremony in British music heading to The O2 in London on 2 March next year.
Irvine Welsh: ‘Trainspotting was a last chance saloon of creativity’
It’s been 30 years since Trainspotting and Irvine Welsh is the subject of a new documentary, 'Choose Irvine Welsh'. Should you?
Darren Harriott: Roadman review | Lots of laughs but lacking narrative
★★★☆☆ Darren Harriott’s 2023 Fringe offering Roadman again proves the Black Country native’s ability to be very funny, but it also sees him struggle to form any kind of narrative or tension.
Laura Ramoso: Frances review | Viral sketches succeed on stage
Laura Ramoso made a name for herself with viral sketches on TikTok and Instagram. Now, she's making her debut at Edinburgh’s Fringe with Frances - a one-woman sketch show that sees her successfully transition from small screen to stage.
Is this the voice of Banksy? | Old interview rediscovered
A new BBC podcast and Radio 4 series may have rediscovered the voice of the world’s most famous anonymous artist, Banksy.
Protea review | Kota the Friend dances into summer
★★★☆☆
With Protea, Kota the Friend is back with an upbeat rap album that sounds as good as it feels, but lacks the consistency or focus to elevate it beyond ‘vibes’.
Sadiq Khan encourages deal to share Elgin Marbles
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has encouraged the UK and Greece to "come to an accommodation" to share the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles.
Pink Tape review | Lil Uzi Vert delivers a lengthy rap-rock rollercoaster that was worth the wait
★★★★☆
Pink Tape is as distinctive as it is extensive, running over 90 minutes and fusing genres under a peculiar umbrella that is Lil Uzi Vert’s and Lil Uzi Vert’s alone.
Lewis Capaldi stepping back from performing for “foreseeable future”
Lewis Capaldi has announced an indefinite break from touring to focus on his physical and mental health, after the Scottish singer, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, struggled to sing during his Glastonbury performance.
Taylor Swift announces new tour dates, Ticketmaster struggles to cope
Taylor Swift has announced a slate of new international tour dates, including nine in the UK and two in Ireland. Ticketmaster, on cue, seems incapable of responding.
Elton John calls Phillip Schofield fallout “totally homophobic”
Elton John has claimed the response to the recent Phillip Schofield scandal was “totally homophobic”, while also saying homophobia was spreading “like a virus”.
The Absolute State of The Hundred
The first Ashes Test match of the summer gets underway today, but cricket’s greatest spectacle is crammed into the start of the summer to make room for the game’s most offensive degradation: The Hundred.
Banksy's first solo exhibition in 14 years to open in Glasgow this weekend
Banksy has announced his first official solo exhibition for 14 years. CUT & RUN: 25 years card labour will open in Glasgow on Sunday.
Gordon Brown encourages "every politician" to watch Steve McQueen's Grenfell Tower film
Gordon Brown has encouraged “every politician” to watch Steve McQueen’s film Grenfell, recently exhibited at the Serpentine, on the six year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Gustav Klimt final portrait expected to fetch £65 million at London auction
The final portrait by Gustav Klimt, Dame mit Fächer (Lady with Fan), is expected to sell for £65m at a London auction later this month.
The Beatles to release “final record” with help of AI later this year
In another seismic use of the technology, Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that artificial intelligence has been used to create a “final Beatles record”, due out later this year.
Jodie Comer forced off stage with trouble breathing as New York engulfed in wildfire smoke
Jodie Comer was forced off stage during a Broadway performance of her one-woman show Prime Facie, with trouble breathing due to wildfire smoke in New York City.
Space Heavy review | King Krule drifts masterfully through space
★★★★★ On King Krule’s fourth album, Space Heavy, Archy Marshall sticks his head above the surface to drift beautifully across choppy seas in a way only he could.
Astrud Gilberto | 'The Girl From Ipanema' singer dies aged 83
Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian bossa nova singer whose version of ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ became the most popular iteration of the song, has died at the age of 83.
Split Decision review | Dave and Central Cee spar with aplomb in heavyweight matchup
★★★★☆
Dave and Central Cee’s surprise collaborative EP Split Decision demonstrates the pair’s penmanship, with puns on cars, clothes, women and footballers seamlessly interspersed with an impressive blend of swagger and introspection.
Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse review | Dazzling, animated project with big-swinging names
★★★★☆
Metro Boomin enlists some of the biggest names in music to create a dazzling 13-song album as the soundtrack for the new movie, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
How Royal Blood threw the least rock n’ roll temper tantrum
Rock duo Royal Blood threw a tantrum at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, admonishing the crowd for not being passionate enough. We advise against such behaviour.
