Single Of The Week: “Too Many Things” by The Linda Lindas

The Linda Lindas are too good for how young they are. We have been trumpeting the brilliance of this formerly tween, now mostly teen rock band since 2019. Their debut record, 2022’s Growing Up, is possibly the most exciting and diverse debut of the pop-punk canon. However, my first listen to “Too Many Things” still surprised me. The pulsating, anxious bassline. The lyrics? A deep, introspective look at the feeling of being overwhelmed that wouldn’t have been out of place on a Sleater-Kinney or Go-Go’s record. (The two bands that, IMHO, have best conveyed “anxiety” on record) 

“Too Many Things” is out now in all the usual places. They are spending the Summer opening for Paramore everywhere (except the SF SHOW!!!!), and the press release teases that more is to come this year from The Linda Lindas, so keep an eye out! 

I will also note that this has been the hardest week for Single of the Week, and there are a TON of great new releases this week to give your ears a nice little treat! Veruca Salt’s Louise Post graces us with her debut solo single, “Guilty.” The triumphant return of Speedy Ortiz, “Scabs.” NYC’s soul group 79.5 has a genuine Summer anthem ready for you with “B.D.F.Q.” Pinkshift returns with a burner of a track, “to me.” And if you are looking for evidence of how blessed and lucky you are, the first Natalie Merchant album in nearly 10 years, Keep Your Courage, is out today! 

Spinning Platters’ Top 10 Albums of 2022

By The Spinning Platters Editorial Team

Good news, everyone! Just like every other year, Spinning Platters is publishing the LAST top albums of the year list you’ll be reading. Our entire team has been listening to each other’s favorite records, no matter how painful it can get, and we’ve voted on our 10 favorite albums of 2022! Without further adieu, here we go: Continue reading “Spinning Platters’ Top 10 Albums of 2022”

Single of the Week: “Groovy Xmas” by The Linda Lindas

Tis the season for seasonal songs? The time of year where serious musicians put out novelty Christmas singles to make your Christmas Playlists a little less stale and painful. 2022 breakout tween sensations The Linda Lindas have graced is with a fantastic and fun Christmas song called “Groovy Xmas.” It’s accompanying video is a joyful treat, chock full of cameos that are basically a whose who of the history of punk, as well as an appearance by the legendary cat, Monica. 

You can enjoy “Groovy Xmas” in all the usual places. The Linda Lindas are also hitting the road next Summer with Paramore. And, yes, I am annoyed that they aren’t playing the Chase Center show. 

Album Review: “Dig Me In: A Dig Me Out Covers Record” by Various Artists

Dig Me Out is a classic record. In many ways, it opened up the worlds of both Riot Grrl and Indie Rock to bigger, more mainstream audiences. It’s also nearly perfect as it is. When it was first announced, Dig Me In left me with mixed feelings… There could be some truly great interpretations of these songs on this record. But why mess with a good thing? I mean, other than to raise money for SMYRC, an organization that provides queer and trans youth a safe place to make art, 25% of the proceeds from this release go to. 

Anyways you can check this out yourself here, but my thoughts on it are below: Continue reading “Album Review: “Dig Me In: A Dig Me Out Covers Record” by Various Artists”

Outside Lands 2022: 20 Instant Gig Reviews

My last Outside Lands was in 2019. I’ve gone nearly every year up until that point, only missing the third year. I had tickets for 2021. Lizzo, The Strokes, and Hinds are all on my “never miss” list, but by October, Delta was rearing its ugly head, and I just couldn’t do it. This year, I was still on the fence until the week beforehand. With BA.5, the virus has become more contagious, and outdoor transmission is more prevalent. However, with wastewater tracking showing a downward trend, toddler vaccines FINALLY seeing the light of day, and studies seem to indicate that N95s and a good breeze are still very effective at thwarting the virus, I decided to give it a go. I packed like ten masks, two packs of antibacterial wipes (which made me the most popular guy at the festival at times. One woman actually proposed marriage when I gave her the end of one of my packs!), an empty water bottle, and several layers of clothing, and decided to make a solid go of it.  Continue reading “Outside Lands 2022: 20 Instant Gig Reviews”

Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands Poster 2022

It’s as if the last Outside Lands was only 9 1/2 months ago… But it’s time for ANOTHER Top 10 from the bottom half of the Outside Lands poster. There is so much good stuff on here that you’ll be mad you slept in. Tickets are *somehow* still available here

Continue reading “Top 10 from the Bottom Half of the Outside Lands Poster 2022”

OUTSIDE LANDS NIGHT SHOW ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10AM!

As we slowly approach Outside Lands 2022, bigger and better things keep happening. FIRST- THEY ADDED THE LINDA LINDAS TO SATURDAY! This is really good, since the day Green Day are playing was pretty light on punk, so adding the best punk band to come out in a decade was a smart move. If you aren’t hip to them yet, it’s time to change that. They also added the great Rina Sawayama, Symba, and salem ilese, BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! The night shows were announced today, too! Highlights include a packed Thursday Night at The Independent with Pussy Riot, ILOVEMAKONNEN, REI AMI, and salem ilese, a rare acoustic set from Phoebe Bridgers, as well as sets from Spinning Platters’ faves Best Coast and MICHELLE. Tickets are on sale here at 10 am on Friday, July 15th to EVERYBODY! No presale. No special code that gives Outside Lands pass holders a leg up. Everyone has got an equal shot at this onsale. 

OUTSIDE LANDS 2021 NIGHT SHOWS LINEUP:

Continue reading “OUTSIDE LANDS NIGHT SHOW ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10AM!”

Single of the Week: “Growing Up” by The Linda Lindas

The last year or so have been a whirlwind for The Linda Lindas, the LA band of high schoolers that have been together since they were middle schoolers. They landed on our radar back in 2019, when they managed to open for one of the epic Bikini Kill reunion shows. The band has literally grown up in that time and their songwriting and playing chops keep getting better. Last year’s Racist Sexist Boy was the anthem of the Summer. The single of the week for this week, “Growing Up,” is a power-pop confection that is just the key to dancing your way through the doldrums of post-Christmas winter. 

“Growing Up,” the song, can be enjoyed at your local DSP. The Linda Lindas debut album also called Growing Up, is out April 8th. You can reserve your copy here!

Show Review: Bikini Kill, The Linda Lindas at The Hollywood Palladium, 4/26/19

All Photos by Steve Rose unless otherwise noted.

When I was 16, I was heavily invested in the world of punk rock. But it was the commercial version of it that was found on the local alternative radio station Live 105, 120 Minutes on MTV, and PBS documentaries of a bygone era.

Then I got a job at a telemarketing company, and a coworker began introducing me to the lovely world of riot grrrl. I was given tapes of music by Team Dresch, Sleater-Kinney, and Bikini Kill. The pure ferocity of it all spoke to me. It opened so many sonic doors for me, and helped me realize that I preferred listening to female voices—and found that women writers were easier for me to relate to than men.
Continue reading “Show Review: Bikini Kill, The Linda Lindas at The Hollywood Palladium, 4/26/19”