All posts by msmith

Watch Carolina Chocolate Drops Reunite At Biscuits & Banjos Festival

Rhiannon Giddens’ Carolina Chocolate Drops just performed at her own Biscuits & Banjos festival in Durham, North Carolina Saturday night, marking the string band’s first performance in almost a decade. Giddens, Justin Robinson, Dom Flemons, and company mostly performed traditional folk tunes or covers of bluegrass classics. But they’re probably most notorious for their cover of “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!),” Blu Cantrell’s 2001 hit. Watch a fan video of them tearing up that cover at Biscuits & Banjos below.

Kneecap Part Ways With Booking Agency, Release Statement: “We Have Faced A Coordinated Smear Campaign”

Peadar Ó Goill

Kneecap, the Irish-speaking rap trio from the north of Ireland, have never been subtle — whether it’s about partying or their activism. There’s a genocide going on in Gaza, and at nearly every public event they’ve appeared at, Kneecap have voiced that something needs to be done about it. If you’re not familiar with them, a quick scroll on their social media feeds demonstrates the trio’s moral obligation.

Suzanne Vega – “Alley”

Veteran alt-rocker Suzanne Vega is still making great music, and today’s new single is a prime example. “Alley” is the latest advance track from Vega’s forthcoming Flying With Angels following “Rats,” “Speakers Corner,” and “Chambermaid.” This one carries along its minor-key guitar tapestry on a propulsive drumbeat, sung by Vega at her breathiest and understated best. I wouldn’t call it shoegaze, but it reminds me of latter-day Slowdive. Listen below.