I recall as a wee 15-year-old, listening to the radio. Live 105, which, as a teenager in the Bay Area, was your source for a rock n roll education. This was shortly before I discovered KZSU and KALX, as well as similar stations, which really opened my ears. Anyway, I heard a song. It was the most deliciously naughty song I’ve ever heard at the time. It was a song called “Underwear.” I was OBSESSED. I found out that an older friend had a CD called Different Class. He dubbed it for me, and I listened to it nonstop. It was my opening to the genre known as “Britpop.” Later, of course, I’d delve into Blur, Elastica, Supergrass, and Kenickie. Eventually, this led me to spend my young college days at an 18+ nightclub called “Popscene.” Continue reading “Pulp announce 30th Anniversary Edition of Different Class”
Author: Dakin Hardwick
How Did Ghostwoman Get Here?
Today’s episode of “How Did I Get Here?” features the amazing psych duo Ghostwoman. We talked at length about music, being in a band, and what to do when you find an excellent musical partner that happens to live on an entirely different continent!
Ghostwoman’s latest record, Welcome To The Civilized World, is out TODAY (September 5th!) on Full Time Hobby. You can either stream or order it delivered to your home FROM THIS VERY LINK!
Single of the Week: “México Suite” by Oruã
Today is a pretty bonkers new release day, with new records from Sabrina Carpenter, The Beaches, and The Hives that were all queued up for my eardrums. And then I landed on something completely different- this deliciously dark, prog-psych-free jazz brain swim of a track from Brazil’s Oruã. The song is “México Suite.” I love it.
“México Suite” is off Oruã’s upcoming release, Slacker, coming out October 24th on the legendary K Records.
Single of the Week: “Fort Knox” by Sigrid
SIGRID IS BACK! Norway’s finest import has returned with a funky, infectious single, and it’s the thing that’s keeping me moving today. And that vocal fry?!?! “Fort Knox” is the second single from Sigrid’s third full-length record, There’s Always More That I Can Say, coming your way on October 3rd. Preorders and such here!
Show Review: Carly Rae Jepsen: Emotion 10th Anniversary Show at Troubadour, 8/19/25
Photos by Gordon Elgart
E*MO*TION by Carly Rae Jepsen is an extremely rare record. It’s simply perfect. It landed at #2 on our list of greatest records of the 2010s, and if we re-evaluated that list, it likely would be #1 five years removed from the last decade. When Jepsen announced that she was going to do one show in 2025, and it would be playing that seminal record in full, I decided it was best to make sure I was there.
Single of the Week: “Heartbreak” by Ivy
I *love* Ivy. The faux French Pop project from married couple Dominique Durand and the late, great Adam Schleisinger was almost certainly a thing of the past when COVID stole the life of one of America’s greatest songwriters in 2020. However, while working on remaster / reissues of Ivy’s fantastic catalog, Durand started listening to various demos from over the years, called up bandmate Andy Chase and, bam! We have a new Ivy album! And much like a ghost giving you a warm hug, these are all songs worked on by Schleisinger. Even though COVID is still frustrating our lives, its impact has reduced in the last year, and hopefully will continue to wane. That being said, “Heartbreak” sounds as fresh and inviting as anything off their classic record Apartment Life, and I’m eager for more music and to hopefully see them live again.
“Heartbreak” comes from Ivy’s upcoming record, Traces Of You, in stores and at your friendly neighborhood DSP on September 5th!
Outside Lands 2025: 15 Instant Set Reviews
I’m no stranger to Outside Lands, having only missed two iterations of it since its debut in 2008 (2010 and 2021 for those keeping score). I’ve seen a lot of changes, and I admit that I miss a few things that have gone away, such as the Barbary tent and the craft vendors in the Polo Fields. But, in return, the addition of the Dolores’ stage, spotlighting SF’s rich legacy of LGBTQ culture and arts, as well as the gorgeous Duboce Triangle stage, has been a welcome addition. This year, in particular, felt like the “nicest” Outside Lands has ever been. People were kind and polite. Taller folks were letting shorter folks in. I lost my water bottle leaving a set, and a kind woman RAN AFTER ME TO GET IT BACK TO ME! I’ve never hugged more strangers, and it was all just so very lovely! Also, everywhere I went, I saw a young person with “Fuck Ice” written on their clothes, or a Palestinian flag, rainbows, “No Kings” attire, etc- For those believing the hype that Gen Z is all conservative and MAGA, that certainly wasn’t what was happening in the park this weekend. Truly, Outside Lands 2025 was a welcome respite from the real pain the world is feeling right now.
Continue reading “Outside Lands 2025: 15 Instant Set Reviews”
Single of the Week: “With You” by Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith keeps knocking out banger after banger. “With You” is a bright and happy tune perfect for detaching from the stress of life, holding your loved ones, and enjoying the sun. It’s delicate and just housey enough that it’s got a sexy groove without being, well, annoying.
Jorja Smith is playing Outside Lands on Sunday evening (6:50 / Twin Peaks Stage), and I can’t wait to hear this one in Golden Gate Park.
Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands 2025 Poster
Outside Lands is THIS WEEKEND!!! This is always one of my favorite weekends, and it’s generally a great weekend for discovering your new favorites. And now it’s time for the 2025 edition of my “Top 10 from the Bottom Half” list, which I’ve spent actual months researching and listening, and these are my 10 favorites. And, in case you are keeping score, in 2022 Wet Leg and Faye Webster made my list. In 2019, I introduced you to The Marias. 2018 had Lizzo. 2017 had Khruangbin. 2016? Anderson .Paak. That’s not a bad track record… There is a LOT of good stuff happening this weekend, and the full schedule is out here. Limited tickets are available here, but don’t delay! The weather is gonna be the best of any festival in America, just like every year. Continue reading “Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands 2025 Poster”
How Did Angie Monroy of The McCharmly’s Get Here?
Last year, I had the opportunity to see The Sonics play at Great American Music Hall. It was a fantastic show, but I was particularly entranced by the Chicano Soul / Retro Garage band opening, The McCharmly’s. We had the opportunity to speak to lead singer Angie Monroy about her musical journey.
The McCharmlys are on the road with SadGirl and put on one helluva live show. Tour Dates here. You can also pick up records and download music from their Bandcamp page.