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.

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...
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...
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...

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...

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...

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...
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...
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...

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...

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...

I Grew up on George Strait—Here Are 3 Songs I Recommend to Anyone Who Did Too
George Strait, the self‑titled King of Country, boasts 60 No. 1 hits and a career that still shapes the genre. A recent feature highlights three standout tracks for fans who grew up on his music: the 1992 honky‑tonk single “Gone As...
Drake’s OVO Allies Clown Rick Ross For Wanting Peace With Him
Rick Ross publicly told Drake he doesn’t want to see him lose, sparking a wave of mockery from OVO affiliates on social media. The peace offering, made during a Rap Life Review interview, was met with laughing emojis and dismissive...

Jake Shane Mocked for Asking Kacey Musgraves ‘Nonsense’ Question
Influencer Jake Shane interviewed Grammy‑winner Kacey Musgraves on his "Therapuss" podcast, asking her to name a favorite lyric from her catalog. Musgraves chose the 2018 track “Slow Burn” and explained a line about sunsets in Tennessee versus work in Beijing, which Shane...
Fakemink Hints At Potential Feature On Drake’s New Album “ICEMAN”
Drake’s highly anticipated album ICEMAN drops on May 15, and UK rapper Fakemink has hinted at a possible feature after a fan‑question at a recent show. Fakemink’s cryptic "Just wait" response has sparked speculation about a cross‑Atlantic collaboration, especially after...

Bridging EDM and K-Pop: Softest Hard on Crafting Global Sound
Vietnamese‑American producer Softest Hard helped bridge EDM and K‑pop by co‑producing LE SSERAFIM’s new single “CELEBRATION.” Her manager’s demo caught HYBE’s attention, leading to a fast‑tracked collaboration that impressed both the label’s chairman and the group. The artist’s rise is...

3 of the Best Debut Singles To Come Out of 70s Rock Music
The article spotlights three iconic debut singles from 1970s rock—Boston’s 1976 anthem “More Than a Feeling,” The Cars’ 1978 breakout “Just What I Needed,” and Foreigner’s 1977 launch “Feels Like The First Time.” Each track not only introduced its band...

Where to Watch ‘Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft’: Is the Concert Movie Streaming?
Billie Eilish’s third concert film, “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” debuts on May 8, 2026 as a theatrical‑only event. Co‑directed by the pop star and James Cameron, the 3D feature showcases her Manchester shows from the 2025...
COLD Surprise Fans with Select Tracks From Gold-Certified Albums
Cold announced a spring/summer tour that will run from May 8 through the end of June, celebrating their 1998 self‑titled debut while spotlighting two gold‑certified albums, *13 Ways To Bleed Onstage* and *Year Of The Spider*. Frontman Scooter Ward used Instagram...

Paul McCartney Was “Insulted” When EMI Asked Him for This Favor, but the Comeback Album Was Worth It
In the mid‑1990s EMI and Capitol told Paul McCartney to pause solo releases for two years, a request he initially found insulting. The hiatus coincided with McCartney’s deep involvement in the Beatles Anthology project, which rekindled his creative instincts. When...

On This Day 37 Years Ago, We Said a Premature Goodbye to the Rising Star Waylon Jennings Deemed “The Greatest...
On May 9, 2026 the music press marked the 37th anniversary of Keith Whitley’s untimely death. The article recounts how the Kentucky‑born singer rose from bluegrass roots to become a leading voice of the 1980s New Traditionalist revival, scoring three consecutive No. 1...

Charli XCX Doubles Down on Chaos with New Song “I Keep Thinking About You Every Single Day And Night”
Charli XCX released the B‑side “I Keep Thinking About You Every Single Day And Night” just hours after debuting the punk‑leaning single “Rock Music.” The new track swaps aggressive guitars for a sleek ’90s‑style club beat while delivering provocative queer‑themed...

Inside Country Music's All-Time Nastiest Band Splits
Country music’s most celebrated groups have often hidden fierce internal conflicts that eventually erupted into public breakups and lawsuits. Recent retrospectives highlight splits such as Brooks & Dunn’s 2009 dissolution and 2015 reunion, Dolly Parton’s 1974 fallout with Porter Wagoner,...
Better Place – Song by Roga Raph
New York up‑and‑comer Roga Raph released his self‑produced single “Better Place” on May 8, 2026. The track pairs a cycling‑sample chop with dusty percussion, providing a gritty backdrop for his free‑flowing verses. Lyrically, Raph tackles artistic ambition, industry pressure, and the daily...

Coke Wave Returns: French Montana, Max B, and Rick Ross Reunite for “SMOKING PART II”
French Montana, Max B, and Rick Ross have reunited for the single “SMOKING PART II,” a bridge between the original Coke Wave era and 2026’s high‑energy hip‑hop. The track drops ahead of their collaborative album Wave Gods 2: Cosmo Brothers, scheduled for May 22 via Coke Boys Records and Defiant Records/EMG. Its...

Paul Simon Says Writing This Song Was One of the Most “Shocking Moments” Of His Career
In 1970 Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel released "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which surged to a six‑week No. 1 spot and secured five Grammy Awards. Simon revealed in recent documentaries that the song arrived suddenly and represented a "shocking" high point...
JONNY REEVES Officially Calls It Quits and Exits KINGDOM OF GIANTS
Jonny Reeves, bassist and vocalist for Kingdom of Giants, officially left the band. Reeves, who rejoined the group in January 2024 after a 2023 exit, announced his departure on May 7 via The Downbeat podcast. He cited conflicting plans and a...

Is Doechii an Industry Plant? Her Label Certainly Doesn’t Think So
Industry‑plant accusations have swirled around rising rapper Doechii, but Top Dawg Entertainment’s president Punch has publicly refuted the claims, citing her transparent career path. Punch highlighted Doechii’s early YouTube videos where she announced quitting her job to pursue music, showing...
Noah Kahan on Phoebe Bridgers’ Return: ‘I Can’t Wait for Whatever She Does Next’
Phoebe Bridgers made her first solo appearance in three years at the Liberty club in Roswell, debuting four new songs likely from her upcoming album dubbed “PB3.” In a Rolling Stone cover interview, songwriter Noah Kahan praised Bridgers’ 2020 album *Punisher* for...
8 Highlights From 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala: Janet Jackson, Heart, Lucinda Williams & More
The third annual Grammy Hall of Fame Gala took place May 8 at the Beverly Hilton, honoring fourteen recordings that span rock, hip‑hop, gospel and world music. Live performances featured Josh Groban’s Sicilian rendition of “Brucia La Terra,” George Clinton and Erykah Badu revisiting Funkadelic’s...
Charli XCX Is ‘Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night’ in New Song
Charli XCX released the B‑side track “I Keep on Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” available only on limited‑edition vinyl and via an Instagram video. The song follows her “Rock Music” single and serves as a physical‑media collector’s...

GENE HOGLAN: 'Grunge Was Very Influenced By Thrash Metal'
Veteran drummer Gene Hoglan reflected on thrash metal’s origins, noting it was a raw counter‑culture to the glossy hair‑metal of the 1980s. He explained that thrash never died, merely went underground in the early ’90s, and that grunge musicians openly...
Sit-Ins Continue at Goose’s Viva El Gonzo
Goose’s second‑year Viva El Gonzo festival in San José del Cabo featured three stages and a packed lineup, including Jim James, Leisure, and the host band. The Main Stage opened with a Nirvana‑tribute set by Mihali and lespecial, followed by Jim James’ acoustic...

Childish Gambino Explains How He Felt About Critics After Negative Reviews on His First Album
In 2013 Donald Glover, known as Childish Gambino, saw Pitchfork slam his debut album *Camp* with a 1.6/10 rating, turning the review into a viral talking point. Rather than seeking validation, he framed the criticism as free publicity, arguing that...