Articles by Mischa Pearlman
Built to Spill, “Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston”
The sheer scope of Johnston’s talent shines brightly on Built to Spill’s album-length homage.
PREMIERE: Plasma Canvas Revisit 2 a.m. Phone Calls on “Saturn”
The Fort Collins punks share the latest single from their forthcoming EP “KILLERMAJESTIC.”
Woods, “Strange to Explain”
“Strange to Explain” is a confused swirl of hope, wonder, and melancholy.
In Conversation: Brian Fallon Wants to Recharge You with “Local Honey”
The ex-Gaslight Anthem frontman on leaving his label, therapy, and what Bruce Springsteen told him about writing political songs.
Phantogram Go Back to the Beginning on “Ceremony”
Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter discuss their move to LA, new album, and longtime bond.
In Conversation: Refused’s Dennis Lyxzén Is Still Writing War Music
Lyxzén discusses the politics of the Swedish post-hardcore band’s second new album since 1998’s classic Shape of Punk to Come.
The New Era of Boogarins
The Brazilian psychedelic band discusses “Soumbrou Dúvida” and the benefits of working with a professional engineer.
The New Colossus Festival Isn’t Interested in Your Big Headliners
A new Lower East Side music fest is looking to do what CMJ (R.I.P.) and SXSW used to—focus on up-and-coming bands.
Panda Bear’s Noah Lennox Hopes New Record “Buoys” Can Be “An Antidote to the Poison”
The Animal Collective co-founder discusses the evolution of his songwriting and the significance of ocean buoys.
At Home with Spiritualized, an Orchestra of One
Jason Pierce considered having the bedroom-recorded “And Nothing Hurt” be the last Spiritualized album—and even though it might not be, it still sounds like quite the finale.
Pixies, “Come On Pilgrim… It’s Surfer Rosa”
Both their debut EP and LP—now repackaged together—sound as fresh, inspired, and inventive as they did three decades ago.
Speedy Ortiz, “Twerp Verse”
The band deliberately favor Pavement-inspired oddness in an attempt to introduce some levity.
Sting & Shaggy, “44/876”
A heartfelt tribute to both Jamaica and Caribbean music that’s much better than it has any right to be—but cool, it is not.
Superchunk, “What a Time to Be Alive”
Superchunk’s “What a Time to Be Alive” combines the irreverent with the thoughtful, and the jittery, chaotic melodies reflect a nervous wreck of a world.
No Age, “Snares Like a Haircut”
No Age’s “Snares Like a Haircut” is a record that offers some kind of solace while also invoking the unnerving and disquieting times we live in.
First Aid Kit, “Ruins”
While “Ruins” doesn’t quite beat out First Aid Kit’s debut album, it’s certainly the sisters’ best record since.
Stop Breaking Down: How the Jawbreaker Documentary Defied the Odds
“Don’t Break Down” looked like a movie that might never see the light of day. And then the Jawbreaker reunion happened.
What Men or Gods Are These: Jawbreaker Returns
More than twenty years after a bitter dissolution, the modern punk legends have rejoined. Here, members of the Jawbreaker scene and story recount the saga and impact of one of the heaviest—and most literary—bands ever.
