All posts by msmith

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.

Swanpalace – “Every”

Guitarist/vocalist Josh Antonuccio, drummer Jim Eno and vocalist Leah Joy are all accomplished musicians in their own right. Antonuccio is a producer and prolific collaborator in the Ohio scene; Eno is a co-founder of Spoon and longtime drummer for the group, in addition to his own production work; Joy is an established jazz vocalist, performing in the Bay Area and NYC. Today, the three of them have joined forces as as Swanpalace. They’ve shared their debut single called “Every,” which radiates a full, classic rock sound.

PinkPantheress – “Stateside”

This new PinkPantheress project seems like it might be a winner. Three weeks ago the Y2K-minded British pop singer shared the pulse-pounding club track “Tonight” and its luxuriant, Bridgerton-esque video. Now she’s back with news of a mixtape called Fancy That — it’s the release she’s been teasing for May 9 — and another banger from the tracklist.

Fiona Apple – “Heart Of Gold” (Neil Young Cover)

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Neil Young and Fiona Apple come from different generations, but they’re both part of a long and important lineage — artists who make big hits early in their career and who then spend the rest of their lives as major-label iconoclasts who get to do whatever they want. It’s not surprising that Apple would be a Young fan. It is a little surprising, however, that Apple has never covered Neil Young until this very moment. Granted, that’s not entirely true. In 2017, Apple took part in an all-star grand-finale version of “Rockin’ In The Free World” at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival. As far as I can tell, though, that was the only time she’s done it. So it’s cool to hear what Apple does when she gets into the studio and takes on Young’s 1972 classic “Heart Of Gold,” his only #1 hit.