Dakin Hardwick – Spinning Platters

Single of the Week: “Spike Island” by Pulp

What do Pulp sound like, 25 years after their last full-length album, 12 years since their last release? Well, “Spike Island,” their first new music since 2013, may not be littered with double entendres like their 90s hitmaking era, but it does spotlight the *other* thing Jarvis Cocker is known for: his innate ability to find joy in life. It’s reflective without being sickeningly sweet. And, of course, anytime you gift me with a song about the joy of music, I’m all in—especially a song about the joys of making music.

“Spike Island” is the first single off Pulp’s upcoming new record (did I really say that? A NEW PULP ALBUM?!?!), More, in stores and on the web on June 6th. I can’t wait to hear more!

VIDEO PREMIERE: “Playing Records” by Lane Moore + It Was Romance at 9 PM PST/12 AM EST TONIGHT!

Remember a few weeks ago when I was glowing about “Playing Records” as the single of the week? Well, Ms Moore sent me the video to preview, and it’s, like, the most adorable thing in history.

Final Girl can be streamed at your favorite DSP. I’m putting out into the world West Coast tour dates and a physical release as a wish, and if enough of you folks stream this excellent EP, maybe that will turn both into a reality.

STERN GROVE LINEUP!!! DIANA ROSS!!! SLEATER-KINNEY!!! ORVILLE PECK!!! WOAH!!!!

Stern Grove just announced its 2025 season, and it’s, well, totally bonkers, as usual. Including your editor-in-chief’s all time favorite band, Sleater-Kinney, East Bay Legends The Pointer Sisters with fellow East Bay Legend, Lyrics Born, Queer Country icon Orville Peck, and many more. OH! And closing out the season is one of the last great rock pioneers, MS DIANA ROSS!!!!

They are also changing things up a bit to help ensure a fair ticket distribution and discourage third party resellers from hogging up the servers. I think it’s smart and opens up to multiple opportunities for fans to score free tickets: Continue reading “STERN GROVE LINEUP!!! DIANA ROSS!!! SLEATER-KINNEY!!! ORVILLE PECK!!! WOAH!!!!”

Single of the Week: “Last Girls At The Party” by The Beaches

Howdy! It’s another week in hell in the United States, and I’m forever stuck on the story of the US citizen that was sent to a labor camp in El Salvador “accidentally,” and “Ooops! We can’t do anything about it!” and fuck. So, yeah, The Beaches from our friendly neighbors to the north have gifted us something purely fun. “Last Girls At The Party” is a bubbly little dance-rock number here to show us that Canada will probably win in all this nonsense.

“Last Girls At The Party” is the first single off The Beaches upcoming record, No Hard Feelings. I can’t wait. But I’ll have to because it’s coming out August 29th! And if you presave, you can enjoy The Beaches on their DJ-set tour (Yup! I’m surprised too):

April 16 – Los Angeles

May 17 – London, UK

May 20 – Amsterdam

May 21 – Brussels

May 23 – Berlin

June 7 – NYC

August 2 – Montréal

WET LEG ARE BACK!!! “catch these fists” out now! New Album Out July 11th!!

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES.

It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for new Wet Leg. It’s only been three years since their epic debut album became, well, MY most listened to record of 2022 AND 2023. But we finally have a new single, “catch these fists,” and you can find it here. The new album, moisturizer, is out July 11th and can be preordered here! We’ve also got a Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon appearance on April 2nd, and so many EU tour dates that I’m worried they won’t have time to visit us in the ‘ol USA. (Please, please, please pay us a visit?)

Show Review: Franz Ferdinand with Telescreens at The Warfield, 3/28/25

The last time I saw Franz Ferdinand live was in 2013, and they played a last-minute gig to raise money for a fan who lost everything in a fire. It was in the basement of the clothing store Vacation in the Tenderloin and admission was “Five Lotto Scratchers.” It was pretty damn magical. Like, in my top 10 show experiences ever. The problem with seeing a “peak magic” show is that it’s hard to go back.
Continue reading “Show Review: Franz Ferdinand with Telescreens at The Warfield, 3/28/25”

Single of the Week: “Pants” by Samia

6:56 is the song length. In a different era, this one wouldn’t work as a single because radio wouldn’t play it. And usually I HATE long songs. But this one requires every moment of those nearly seven minutes. I’ve listened to it several times, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around what it’s actually about. But it’s such a sweet and tender and emotionally naked song. It takes turns several unpredictable turns, and I adore it.

“Pants” is off Samia’s upcoming record, Bloodless, in stores and on your computer on April 25th. Prepare accordingly.

OUTSIDE LANDS DROPPED IT’S AMAZING 2025 LINE UP

I walked out the door this morning to experience the sun on my face for the first time in what feels like years. This last winter was one of the coldest, dreariest ones in memory. I enjoyed a gentle breeze while serotonin made its first real return to my brain in a while. Then I opened up my phone (a thing that has brought the opposite of joy lately) to see Outside Lands drop its lineup, and now I’ve moved from joyful to glowing!

Highlights include a triple shot of the best live acts in modern hip hop: Tyler, The Creator, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, and Doechii, the unclassifiable Doja Cat, the insane bass stylings of Thundercat, the inventive and brilliant Jorja Smith, and for those looking for a touch of proper nostalgia, there’s Ludacris! Lower on the bill and there are some insane Easter Eggs like Big Freedia & The SF Gay Men’s Chorus, whatever “Vampire Weekend / ” means, the reinvented Rebecca Black, and for those who need a little mosh in their weekend, Oakland’s Destroy Boys are playing as well as the amazing Mannequin Pussy.

Tickets are on sale TOMORROW! Yes, that’s 3/26 at 10 a.m. at SFOutsidelands.com. 3-Day GA tickets start at $499 ALL IN, and Payment Plans start at $99 down. The full lineup is below!

Continue reading “OUTSIDE LANDS DROPPED IT’S AMAZING 2025 LINE UP”

Show Review: The Linda Lindas with Be Your Own Pet at The UC Theatre, 3/20/25

It’s been about six years since Spinning Platters first encountered The Linda Lindas. They were all in middle school at the time but managed to score the opening slot for Bikini Kill’s second show in 20 years. They played 30 minutes worth of classic punk covers with the skill of players twice their age but with the enthusiasm and curiosity of, well, pre-teens. Fast forward six years, and they have three albums worth of critically acclaimed original material and have risen to be the band effectively leading Gen Alpha to rock ‘n roll.

Continue reading “Show Review: The Linda Lindas with Be Your Own Pet at The UC Theatre, 3/20/25”

Single of the Week: “I Found God” by Cera Gibson

Man, I love a good, sexy video where everyone looks, well, normal. “I Found God” is good old-fashioned, sexy, and groovy, along the lines of Erotica-era Madonna. The hooks are hooking, and the lyrics are just naughty enough. It’s a great way to kick off the first weekend of Spring.

“I Found Love” is the latest single from Cera Gibson’s pinksoak, which is available now all across the internet.