Today's Music Pulse
Drake Nears Record‑Breaking Billboard 200 Streak
Drake is closing in on Morgan Wallen’s record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to The Source. Forbes adds that this also matches Adele’s historic tally of debut‑at‑number‑one singles.
Two Kinks Super Fans Wrote a Book So Exhaustive That It Apparently Pissed Off Ray Davies
Andrew Sandoval and Doug Hinman have published "The Kinks – All Day and All of the Night: The Day‑By‑Day Story Pt 1: 1940‑1971," an exhaustive chronicle that logs every recording session, concert, TV spot and songwriting moment for the band. The volume draws on primary studio logs, rare UK music‑paper archives and new demixing technology to fill gaps left by missing multitrack tapes. Ray Davies, who plans his own coffee‑table book, says the new release could cannibalize his market. The project illustrates how fan‑driven scholarship can reshape the narrative of classic rock icons.
Silka Weil Drops Seductive New Single Ahead of EP
Montréal alt-pop and folk-rock artist Silka Weil releases “Make Me Lose Control,” a bold and seductive new single from her upcoming EP ‘Midnight Blue,’ arriving July 3. https://t.co/w5joxpgPr1
Mixtape Sparks Heated Debate, Enrages Online Trolls
Mixtape—which I loved, because I’m a paid off journalist—is both producing a lot of interesting discourse (90s exhaustion, assumptions about “collective” experiences, etc.) and making the absolute worst people online extremely mad. Helluva game.
Blxst Sets June 12 Release for Self‑Produced Album “Labor of Love”
West Coast artist Blxst announced his next album, Labor of Love, will arrive on June 12, 2026 via EMPIRE. The fully self‑produced record shifts from his previous narrative style to a personal look at balancing fame and fatherhood, and he will host a community...
Uncle Trent Honors Late Father with Grief‑Filled Anthem
Cowessess First Nation singer-songwriter Uncle Trent Agecoutay releases “The Foundation,” a deeply personal song about grief, family, and generational strength co-written with his late father Jim Agecoutay. https://t.co/4n0lCSe2G7
New Progressive Rock Meditation Tackles Anxiety and Healing
Martin Larose and Anaïs Vanessa release “Breathe In Breathe Out,” a progressive rock meditation on anxiety, resilience, and healing from their collaborative album ‘The Solivagant Tales,’ out now. https://t.co/BqY3N6w8jf
BRANN DAILOR Confirms New MASTODON Studio Album Is Finished: 'It Was A Hard Record To Make'
Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor confirmed the band’s ninth studio album is finished, marking the first record without co‑founding guitarist Brent Hinds. Hinds left the group in March 2025 and died in a motorcycle crash five months later. Touring guitarist Nick...
Phantasia's 9-Year Dream Song Recorded Live, No Clicks
Toronto indie rock trio Phantasia release ‘I’ve Been Here Before,’ led by "King Of All My Dreams," a song nearly 9 years in the making and recorded live off the floor with no click tracks. https://t.co/otTDEERoXg
Now & Then: Hiss Golden Messenger’s I’m People and the Reach of Veedon Fleece
American singer‑songwriter M.C. Taylor’s new album I’m People arrives as a road‑woven Americana record that balances gospel‑inflected doubt with everyday hope. The review pairs it with Van Morrison’s 1974 Veedon Fleece, noting both use travel as a spiritual map while...
Chuck Leavell Will Join Randall Bramblett Band Featuring Nick Johnson in Georgia
Chuck Leavell, longtime Rolling Stones keyboardist and former Allman Brothers member, will join the Randall Bramblett Band featuring Nick Johnson for a one‑off concert on June 6 in Roswell, Georgia. The show is part of From the Earth Brewing Company’s Back...
The Crawling Eye – Let A Sister Be
The Crawling Eye released the single “Let A Sister Be,” a lush, orchestral‑pop track that channels the melodic charm of 1990s indie bands. Critics highlight the song’s dramatic arrangement and an innocent‑yet‑emotive vocal delivery that feels both nostalgic and fresh....
So, Jonas Kaufmann, What’s with the Microphone?
World‑renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann, age 57, performed at Lucerne’s acoustically celebrated KKL hall using a microphone, sparking a backlash from Swiss media. Critics argue the electronic aid smooths over vocal imperfections but creates a uniform, bland sound that diminishes dynamic...
Dave Matthews Band Bust Out Rarities at Tour Opener
Dave Matthews Band launched its first full 2026 tour in Texas, playing two back‑to‑back shows at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Dallas’ Dos Equis Pavilion. The band surprised fans by resurrecting several long‑shelved tracks, including the unreleased "Cha Cha,"...
Jay-Z Shuts Down MSG Courtside in Virgil Abloh Archive Air Jordan 1 “Alaska”
Hip‑hop mogul Jay‑Z turned heads at Madison Square Garden during Game 2 of the Knicks‑76ers Eastern Conference semifinals by wearing the coveted Virgil Abloh Archive Air Jordan 1 High OG in the “Alaska” colorway. The sneaker, part of a limited‑edition archive drop, has...
Steph G Never Understood the Meaning of Failure
Steph G, a Brooklyn‑born rapper from Brownsville, is gaining momentum as a fierce female MC who blends street grit with polished confidence. Her streaming catalog, including hits like “Feelin Myself,” has amassed millions of plays, while radio rotation on 99.7 DA HEAT MIAMI adds mainstream...
The Black Keys Reveal 'Gut Instinct' Creative Process for New Album 'Peaches!'
Rock duo The Black Keys detailed the making of their forthcoming album 'Peaches!' on NPR, saying they relied on gut instinct and turned to studio sessions as therapy after Dan Auerbach’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The conversation highlights...
He Went Platinum at 18. He Just Re-Recorded the Whole Album.
In 1995 teenage blues‑rock prodigy Kenny Wayne Shepherd released his debut album Ledbetter Heights, which went platinum despite the dominance of grunge. Thirty years later he has re‑recorded the entire album, bringing decades of experience to the original material. The...
Sleep Token Surprise-Release Instrumental Version of ‘Even In Arcadia’
Sleep Token surprised fans by releasing an instrumental version of their fourth album, Even In Arcadia, on all major streaming services, with a limited‑edition coloured vinyl slated for August 7. The album previously debuted at No. 1 on both the UK Albums...
Grammy Hall of Fame Gala at Beverly Hilton Highlights Hotel’s Event Power
The 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala was staged at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, featuring 14 inductees, live performances by Janet Jackson, Josh Groban and others, and a Warner Records label tribute. Organizers and artists praised the venue, reinforcing its reputation for...
Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ Inducted Into Grammy Hall of Fame
Janet Jackson’s 1989 album Rhythm Nation 1814 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame on May 8, with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis presenting the honor. The album was recognized alongside iconic works by 2Pac, Radiohead, Alice Coltrane and others....
Better Days – Song by Naomi Sharon
Naomi Sharon, an emerging R&B vocalist known for high‑profile co‑signs, released her new single “Better Days” on May 8, 2026. The track is a heartfelt, introspective ballad that highlights her powerful vocal range and lyrical depth. While not attached to a full...
Top Of The Hill – Song by DDG
DDG dropped his new single “Top Of The Hill” on May 8, 2026, adding another entry to his hip‑hop catalog. The track showcases his trademark high‑energy flow and braggadocious lyrics, with references to luxury fashion and personal escapades. While the song doesn’t...
COCONUT WATER – Song by Trim
Trim, a rising hip‑hop artist likened to Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and the City Girls, dropped the single “Coconut Water” on May 8, 2026 as the lead track from her album Pass the Tiara. The song quickly went viral, generating polarized reactions but confirming Trim’s knack...
Raghu Dixit Fans (And Their Mothers) Are Moved to Tears in ‘Amma’ Video
Bengaluru folk‑fusion star Raghu Dixit unveiled a Kannada rendition of his 2013 track “Amma” to mark Mother’s Day, adding new lyrics by Pramod Maravante while retaining the original arrangement. The music video, directed by Rahul Rajeev, captures fans and their...
“We Thought He Was Copping Out Joining AC/DC, Cos They Were a Pretty Simple Rock Band”: Before He Joined One...
Bon Scott’s brief stint with the Adelaide‑based Mount Lofty Rangers in early 1974 ended abruptly after a drunken motorbike crash that left him in a coma. The accident forced him to abandon the 12‑gig, country‑rock gig and eventually move to...
Ocean Light (Phase 1: Prelude) – Song by Navy Blue
Navy Blue released the two‑minute single “Ocean Light (Phase 1: Prelude)” on May 8, 2026, marking the latest entry in his catalog of introspective hip‑hop. The track pairs a guitar‑driven instrumental with densely poetic verses, showcasing the rapper’s literary flair. Critics describe...
Noah Kahan Performs ‘Doors’ and ‘The Great Divide’ on ‘SNL’ in Second Musical Guest Appearance
Noah Kahan returned to Saturday Night Live on May 9, performing the new tracks “Doors” and “The Great Divide” from his fourth studio album. The album, released April 24 via Mercury Records, entered the charts at No. 1 in both the United States...
Lawrence Brownlee & Erin Morley Headline Newport Classical Music Festival 2026
The Newport Classical Music Festival unveiled its 2026‑27 season, opening with Apollo’s Fire’s Baroque evening on July 10, followed by British vocal ensemble VOCES8 on July 11. The headline act is a “Golden Age” concert featuring celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee...
Teatro Alla Scala to Stream ‘Nabucco’ with Luca Salsi & Anna Netrebko
La Scala TV will livestream Verdi’s Nabucco on May 29, featuring a new Alessandro Talevi production conducted by Riccardo Chailly. The performance stars Luca Salsi as Nabucco and Anna Netrebko as Abigaille, with additional roles filled by Francesco Meli, Michele Pertusi and Veronica Simeoni. The production opens May 16 and...
Caravanserai
Santana’s 1972 album *Caravanserai* marked a dramatic turn from their blues‑rock roots toward a jazz‑rock, spiritually driven sound. After the breakthrough Woodstock performance and three commercially successful albums, Carlos Santana and drummer Michael Shrieve recruited new musicians, including percussionist James...
Why Dolly Parton Is Still the Unrivaled Queen of Country at 80
Dolly Parton, at 80, remains a cultural powerhouse, expanding her empire with the upcoming SongTeller Hotel in downtown Nashville, which includes a museum chronicling her rise from a Tennessee cabin to global stardom. She recently released a new rendition of...
Aitana Kicks Off Her Cuarto Azul World Tour With Intimate, Emotional Show: Full Setlist
Aitana opened her Cuarto Azul World Tour in Almería, Spain, drawing nearly 18,000 fans. The concert featured an intimate bedroom set, a custom nude outfit, and a stage designed as an open‑house with changing colors. The setlist centered on her...
SACRED REICH Is Mixing New Album 'Into The Abyss': 'It Sounds Incredible'
Arizona thrash veterans Sacred Reich are currently mixing their upcoming album "Into The Abyss" with legendary producer Bill Metoyer, targeting a tentative late‑2026 release through Metal Blade Records. The record, recorded at The Focusrite Room in Mesa and engineered by...
Reviewing Drake’s Iceman: Expect Typical Hip‑Hop Debate
announcing that i am reviewing Drake’s Iceman this week. certainly the discourse will be normal in hip hop… , right? https://t.co/4kRhV7KxMM
New ESSENCE Line Up Cardi B Babyface Scarface Public Enemy Brandy/Monica
The 2026 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, slated for July 3-5, will host over 400,000 attendees and feature a first‑wave lineup that includes Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, Brandy & Monica, and Kehlani. The three‑day event blends free empowerment seminars...
Mike D Drops First Solo Track in 15 Years, Kicks Off Surprise Four‑Show Tour
Beastie Boys co‑founder Mike D released his debut solo single “Switch Up” on May 8, 2026, and immediately began a surprise four‑show club tour across Los Angeles and Brooklyn. The track marks the first new music from any Beastie Boys member since...
Primaluce Releases Cinematic, Emotionally Transformative Progressive Metal Masterpiece
Primaluce's 'Way Of Perfection' is out now, a 12-track progressive metal album built on cinematic atmosphere and emotional transformation, and it's the clearest, most complete statement the project has made yet. https://t.co/xGcNarwy5X
1 Year Ago Today, Country Music Lost the Trailblazing Hispanic Star Who Turned Tragedy Into Triumph
On May 9, 2025, legendary Tejano‑country singer Johnny Rodriguez died at 73 in San Antonio. Born in a modest Texas border town, he rose from jail‑cell performances to a Mercury Records contract, delivering six No. 1 country hits and a CMA Male Vocalist...
Jon Landau Spotlights Springsteen as Rock’s Future, 1974
On this day in 1974, Bonnie Raitt played Harvard Square Theatre in Cambridge with opening act Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. In the crowd was Rolling Stone critic Jon Landau, who left inspired to write: "I have seen...
Charli Xcx Releases ‘I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night’ as ‘Rock Music’ Vinyl B-Side
Charli XCX has added a new B‑side, “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” to the limited‑edition “Rock Music” 7‑inch vinyl. The 1:32 minimalist track, accompanied by a black‑and‑white video shot in Kyoto, is only available...
Sleeping With Sirens Live In Nashville with House & Home
Sleeping With Sirens returned to the stage after a year‑long hiatus, delivering a sold‑out show at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. The concert featured the live debut of the title track “An Ending In Itself,” previewing their new album slated...
Reason Denies Dissing Kendrick Lamar After Speaking On “GNX’s” Influence
Reason appeared on The Bootleg Kev Podcast to discuss Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, praising its sound but noting that the featured artists lacked consistency. He later took to Twitter on May 9, 2026, to correct online posts that framed his remarks as...
Lynyrd Skynyrd Called This 1974 Hit Their Version of The Allman Brothers’ “Ramblin’ Man”
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1974 hit “Sweet Home Alabama” was described by guitarist Ed King as the band’s version of the Allman Brothers’ 1973 Top‑10 single “Ramblin’ Man.” Both songs became the highest‑charting Southern‑rock entries for their groups, with “Ramblin’ Man” peaking at No. 2 and...
Gen Z Faces Endless Retro Music Retrospectives, Like 80s Fans
I wonder if my Gen Z students are seeing lists like this and having the same reaction we had in the early 1980s when Rolling Stone was one article after another about the same handful of classic 1960s hippy band...
Accidental Riff Propels “American Woman” To 1970 #1
On this day in 1970, "American Woman" by The Guess Who hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Born from a broken guitar string, a thunderous riff, and a fan’s bootleg recording, one of rock’s greatest songs came together completely...
3 Rock Hits From 1978 That Every 70s Kid Can Still Sing From Memory Today
The article spotlights three enduring 1978 rock hits—Bruce Springsteen’s “Prove It All Night,” Paul McCartney’s Wings track “With a Little Luck,” and Toto’s debut single “Hold The Line.” Each song achieved notable chart success, with Springsteen peaking at #33, Wings hitting...
1987 Live TV Gem: Bush & Gilmour's Electrifying Cover
Wanna watch Kate Bush and David Gilmour perform “Running Up That Hill” back in 1987? Of course you do. It’s haunting, electric, and everything live TV used to be. https://t.co/Hao5FAyJby
A Spark and Courteney Cox
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released “Dancing in the Dark”—a song about his frustration writing a hit. It became the biggest hit of his career. All it took was a spark... and Courteney Cox. https://t.co/6vaF5IQn84
Oklahoma Governor Signs Law Memorializing Late Country Star Toby Keith
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1475, officially naming the Interstate 35 and Indian Hills Road interchange in Cleveland County the Toby Keith Memorial Interchange. The legislation follows the state’s declaration of July 8, 2026 as Toby Keith Day, honoring the late country star’s 65th...
Hana Piranha Drops Synth‑driven ‘Valentine’ About Toxic Love
Hana Piranha's new single "Valentine" is a literarily charged, synth-driven anthem about the intoxicating pull of a romance you can already see destroying you, and the 'Heart of Darkness' EP is coming later this year. https://t.co/54wr3bQ7XF