Music
‘Abracadabra’ Single Review: Lady Gaga is Back and Better Than Ever?
The new single's name? “Abracadabra.” Fitting for what has been a magical comeback for Gaga this year.
‘Nosebleeds’ Single Review: A No Nonsense Victory Anthem
In the aftermath of her first Grammy win, Doechii released “Nosebleeds” — an entertaining and witty single.
The Backfires Concert Review: Indie Rock on All Cylinders at Sonia
The energy was amplified exponentially by The Backfires in a show that took the audience for a ride of head banging, pounding beats, and power chords.
Top 10 Albums of 2024
The Crimson’s Arts Board presents its musical favorites of 2024, from “BRAT” to “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Nick Shea Concert Review: A Step Out of Boston Common and Into Boston’s Music Scene
Shea’s infectious passion and consistent engagement with the crowd outshined any of his lyrical stumbles.
Thinkpiece: We Need to Listen to Music Less
Occasionally using music as background is fine, but if we continue relegating it to background stimulation, art has a problem.
The Tacky Artistic Grand Gestures of Mark Zuckerberg
Appreciating art is a uniquely human activity — which distinguishes Zuckerberg from the robotic ideas of infinite growth other tech bros propagate.
Artist Profile: Rampa from Keinemusik on More Than a Decade in Electronic Music
Rampa, part of Berlin music-creator collective Keinemusik, reflects on his long career in the electronic music scene.
So You Want to Listen to R&B: Travel Through Time
Here is a list of well-known and cherished R&B songs from the contemporary era and showcases many of the different styles that can be seen in the genre.
Police Investigating After Lil Xan Kicks Harvard Student at Royale Pregame
Nicholas Diego Leanos, a rapper known as “Lil Xan,” repeatedly struck and kicked a Harvard College sophomore in the face during the Harvard-Yale pregame at the Royale nightclub on Nov. 23, prompting the Boston Police Department to investigate an alleged aggravated assault.
Thanksgiving Vignette: Music We’re Thankful For
Here’s some of the music that The Crimson’s Arts Board is thankful for this year.
‘Songs of a Lost World’ Review: The Return of The Cure
On "Songs of a Lost World," we hear the reminiscence of The Cure’s classic sound of haunting melodies and layered instrumentals.
‘Seed of a Seed’ Album Review: Haley Heynderickx Blooms at Her Most Introspective
Filled with lush melodies, verdant guitar lines, and the earthy warmth of Haley Heynderickx’s voice, it is an album that grows and thrives like a garden in full bloom.
Sammy Rae & The Friends Concert Review: A Return to Roadrunner With Even More Energy
Over the course of the night, The Friends delivered an electrifying and deeply emotional performance.
‘This World’s A Giant’ and ‘High Road’ Single Review: Same Old Path, Different Journey
“This World’s A Giant” follows the same folksy path as the rest of Bryan’s songs.
Jschlatt’s Cover of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’: Why the Hell Did a YouTuber Release a Christmas Song and Why is it Good?
Upon the first listen of the cover, Schlatt’s voice has a striking resemblance to that of Frank Sinatra.
‘Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call’ Single Review: A Melancholy and Bitter Holiday Ballad
This asymmetry in sound works in the song’s favor, with the instrumentals highlighting the tension and depth behind Antonoff’s melancholy lyrics.
Tokyo Police Club Concert Review: A Final Victory Lap for a ’00s Band of Brothers
Frontman Dave Monks reminisced about their fourth-grade class, late night rehearsals on high school weeknights, and their first shows in Boston.
Concert Review: Clairo’s Love for Boston Echoes Through Roadrunner
The crowd’s energy was high throughout the night, a testament to Clairo’s ability to connect and interact with her fans.
So You Want to Listen to Girl Rock Bands from the ’50s and ’60s
The seeds of this counterculture may have been sown earlier with girl rock bands who sang about sexual desire, a reckless lifestyle, and a longing for freedom from societal pressures.
Artist Profile: Sarah Kinsley on ‘Escaper’ and Her Musical Journey
Kinsley's creativity comes from the fearless embrace of potential failure.
‘Punish’ Single Review: A Prelude to Penance
What began as a hushed confessional transformed into a suffocating cathedral of anguish, providing a raw glimpse into what the release of “Perverts” will have to offer in the winter.
‘The Great Impersonator’ Album Review: The Most Boring Form of Flattery
“The Great Impersonator” unfortunately relies a bit too much upon the rawness of its themes alone, letting its technical aspects slip into musical mediocrity.
‘The New Sound’ Album Review: Wholly Innovative, Masterfully Crafted
“The New Sound,” with its intricate, complex melodies and sharp, biting lyricism, makes for a masterful debut solo project from Geordie Greep.
In Photos: Clairo Charms Roadrunner
Clairo's Charm Tour featured the artist’s third studio album, “Charm,” with three sold-out shows at Boston’s Roadrunner from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30.