St Vincent released Live In London earlier this year, a recording of a live show performed with a symphony orchestra. Normally, I’d do extensive research before a show, including listening to the record numerous times. I opted against that this time, and instead decided I wanted to be surprised. This was the right choice. Continue reading “Show Review: St Vincent & The San Francisco Symphony with Arooj Aftab at Davies Symphony Hall, 7/30/26”
Author: Dakin Hardwick
Single of the Week: “Sick Of The Times” by THAO featuring Tune-Yards & The Linda Lindas
Thao Nguyen is back. And this track is a banger. It’s been six long years, and in that time she’s dissolved her long-time band, The Get Down Stay Down, and is simply going by THAO. And with that change, she’s giving us a fierce little number that’s both dancefloor and mosh pit ready. The grooves of Merrill Garbus (Tune-Yards’ leader and producer of this track) and the ferocity of The Linda Lindas are both key players here, but the classic THAO energy is still there, too. GOD, I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!
“Sick Of The Times” comes from THAO’s upcoming record, Show Me, coming your way October 30th from the legendary Kill Rock Stars label. A short Fall Tour is on sale TODAY at 10 am!
Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands 2026 Poster
I love music festivals. They are like a tasting menu for music, and probably my favorite way to discover new acts. Past Outside Lands have made me fall for The Marias (playing early in the day on the smallest stage), Ashe, underscores, Odie Leigh, CMAT, Samia, and even a little artist named Sabrina Carpenter. (Seriously, I had no idea what to expect from her, but was pretty much amazed from beginning to end). I’ve spent the last few weeks listening to acts on the lower half of the original poster, and I’m here to help you navigate the best and brightest of the undercard for Outside Lands this year. The full lineup is here, and tickets are sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.
Die Spitz Continue reading “Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands 2026 Poster”
Single of the Week: “After All” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is having a bit of a career high right now. After celebrating 10 years of her magnum opus, EMOTION, as well as bringing her first child into the world, she managed to find time to create a double album where she reinvents herself once again. “After All” is a sexy, disco soul jam that’s just plain GREAT. It’s the second single off her upcoming Day & Night, which comes out September 18th. Expect it to be all over the best of 2026 lists.
Help L7’s Jennifer Finch Fight Brain Cancer!
We all knew that legendary bassist Jennifer Finch was sitting out the L7’s “The Last Hurrah Tour.” We learned today the reason why… She’s battling an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Being a legend and coming from one of the most important bands of all time doesn’t necessarily mean access to resources, and she’s asking for help to pay for absurdly expensive medical care. (Jesus, America!) Here’s a link to her GoFundMe!
SIngle of the Week: “Closer” by The Linda Lindas featuring Hayley Williams
The Linda Lindas keep getting better. “Closer” pushes their usual punky sound to pure, 00’s, rip your heart out and hand it to anyone willing to hold it emo. Lucia de la Garza’s delicate voice blends so nicely with guest singer Hayley Williams’ soulful croon that I’m getting goosebumps listening to this song. Another work of genius from the teenage rock saviors.
“Closer” is the second single off The Linda Lindas upcoming major label debut, GOTTA GET OUT, in stores and online August 28th!
Single of the Week: “Watermelon Manicure” by Sad13
I love a short song. The shorter and more chaotic, the better. So, when Sadie Dupuis (of Speedy Ortiz) decided to release a full album of 1 minutish songs, I was more than excited. The first single off that release is an uncomfortable, noisy affair called “Watermelon Manicure.” It’s amazing, and I’ve listened to it almost 15 times now, and I’ve found more layers to this than your average 15-minute prog opus.
1331 is out July 10th! Preorder here! And our New England friends get the first chance to hear this brilliant record live:
7/9 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool w/ New Idea Society, Russian Baths
7/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s w/ Hurry, Dina Hashem
7/11 – Malden, MA @ FACES w/ New Idea Society, Real Beaut
7/17 – virtual @ Blue Stoop – Verse Chorus Voice, a lyrics & songwriting masterclass
7/24 – Somerville, MA @ NICE, a fest w/ Krill, Downtown Boys, Dari Bay, Mal Devisa
OUTSIDE LANDS ANNOUNCES THE DOLORES STAGE LINEUP
Five weeks until Outside Lands!!! FIVE WEEKS!!! Time to start picking out your outfits and figuring out which shoes are most comfortable!!! And today, they are gifting us with ANOTHER stage’s worth of acts! The Dolores Stage is a tribute to the queer events of San Francisco, with each day curated by a different local promoter. Friday is presented by the great Hot Goth GF. Saturday is brought to you by the legendary Oasis team. Sunday has been brought to you by Polyglamorous!
They’ve also added “Dolores’ Courtyard,” featuring a glam bar, a barber, and cocktails!
Full Line-Up below. Tickets are SOLD OUT! Get on the waitlist here! Continue reading “OUTSIDE LANDS ANNOUNCES THE DOLORES STAGE LINEUP”
Single of the Week: “Wink Wink” by Charli xcx
I’ve been following Charli xcx for almost two decades now. I consider her a true musical genius, and I’m glad that Brat, one of the greatest records of all time, moved her into arenas and made her a household name. The one thing that I have realized about her is that she’s yet to give us a truly *dirty* song. Well, she’s been holding a LOT back, because “Wink Wink” would make Peaches blush.
“Wink Wink” is the third single off Charli’s upcoming album, Music Fashion Film, out July 24th. She’s also headlining Outside Lands and touring a TON this Fall.
HEAVENS TO BETSY ARE BACK!!!!
OH SHIT! OH SHIT! OH SHIT!!!! Heavens to Betsy, the legendary Riot Grrl band that put out one genius record and three 7″s in the early 90s and then closed up shop just after both members became old enough to buy beer, is back together! They played their first show in 32 years last night in Portland, and are prepping for a fall tour! My 14-year-old self is overjoyed that I’ll FINALLY get to see them! Tour dates and a clip from that first show below: Continue reading “HEAVENS TO BETSY ARE BACK!!!!”