Pet Shop Boys - i'm not scared, 1988

"It is entirely meaningless and is exactly what you expect it to be. This doesn't stop it roving through an empty space with a fair amount of scarlet charm."

The National - mr november, 2005

"The band supported Barack Obama's presidential candidacy in 2008. In July of that year, the band designed and sold a T-shirt featuring Obama's image above the words "Mr. November", a reference to both the closing track on the album and the month of the U.S. presidential election. All proceeds were donated to Obama's campaign. The song had been written, in part, about John Kerry's candidacy four years earlier."

The Pigeon Detectives - i can't control myself, 2007

“I Found Out” is the superior of the two songs, and in fact is one of the highlights of the album, the incessant backing vocals may at first seem annoying, but upon more listens you’ll find yourself idly humming away with them, amazed that you ever hated them in the first place. Like the vast majority of British indie, this album does, at times, sound the same, and with many of the tracks seemingly borrowing off one another, this is not a diverse record."

My Morning Jacket - like a river, 2015

“Like a River”, which is probably the album’s most breathtaking treasure. My Morning Jacket harken back to their alt country roots on The Waterfall and create a remarkable vision of the American countryside in the process, one as filled with solitude as it is with wonder."

REM - the lifting demo, 2003

"Originally released as the opening song on their 2001 album Reveal, the demo appeared in 2003 on the compilation In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003 (Rarities and B-Sides). It's a more stripped-down, haunting take compared to the polished album version, featuring a slower tempo, acoustic elements, and slight lyrical tweaks (e.g., the album version omits the line "You think you've felt the lifting" from the demo)."

James - backwards glances, 2018

"Backwards Glances" is a bonus track by the British alternative rock band James, released in 2018 as part of the deluxe edition of their 15th studio album, Living in Extraordinary Times. The album itself dropped on August 3, 2018, via BMG Rights Management, marking a politically charged and introspective chapter in the band's long career. This track didn't make the standard edition but was included on the expanded version alongside other demos like "Moving Car" and "Overdose".

Paul McCartney - silly love songs live wings over america, 1976

"He did the best thing possible, which was to write songs about things that appealed to him, whether it was silly love songs or rock’n’roll. He wanted to experiment and be free to do what took his fancy. Things in everyday life. Cooking. Making breakfast."

Pet Shop Boys - in the night nineteen ninety-five, 1996

"les Zazous, long-haired proto-beatnik dissidents who conscientiously chose not to take sides with either the Nazis or the Resistance, but instead "opted out." As a result, they were distrusted and hated by both sides. The Nazis disdained them as depraved and decadent, while the French Resistance regarded them as collaborators. Obviously Neil was intrigued by the dramatic possibilities of being in such an ambiguous and precarious position. Stylistically the song betrays the influence of American producer "Bobby O" Orlando, with whom Neil and Chris were working at the time. (In particular, note the strong musical similarity to the cult classic "Passion" by the Flirts, written and produced by Bobby O.) A British TV program devoted to fashion, The Clothes Show, used part of "In the Night" as its theme song, which prompted the Boys to record a new version in 1995. The newer rendition, an instrumental, replaced the old one as the TV theme music and was released as a bonus track on the "Before" single. Oh, and in case you're wondering how things turn out for the Zazou addressed in this song, I would be remiss not to point out that its music ends with a percussive effect highly reminiscent of the firing of a machine gun. Make of that what you will."

Nada Surf - eighty windows, 1998

"the first three tracks of the album "Hyperspace", "Amateur", and "80 Windows" show off that signature sound that Nada Surf would become known for."

Marillion - white feather demo, 1998

"He name dropped Toronto in the demo version of WHite Feather! You know at the end when he’s singing, “Glasgow children, Moscow children…” I could swear one of them he names is Toronto."

Moby - the tired and the hurt, 2018

"The lyrics of "The Tired and the Hurt" by Moby convey a powerful sense of longing and nostalgia for a past that was filled with light, hope, love, and endless possibilities. The imagery of light and clear skies, endless dreams, and expansive forests creates a vivid picture of a world that once existed in a state of beauty and purity, where everything seemed possible and nothing was out of reach. However, this idyllic past is contrasted sharply with the present reality described in the chorus, where the singer finds themselves feeling tired, hurt, and broken, surrounded by cold and desolate seas."

James - quicken the dead, 2014

"A line in the bible – “the quick and the dead” – refers to the living (quick probably being similar to animated) and the dead. The title of the song “Quicken the Dead” refers to this. It is an appeal for (the dead) people who don’t know what they are doing with life to understand that they are living, and do so fully (quicken/reanimate)."

The Pigeon Detectives - i found out, 2007

"I Found Out" is the first single from English indie rock band the Pigeon Detectives' debut album, Wait for Me (2007). The track was re-recorded for the 2007 single release with the Smiths and Blur producer Stephen Street."

The Moody Blues - ride my see saw live at the royal albert hall in nineteen sixty-nine, 1977

"This has long been a huge live favourite; in fact, the song’s usually reserved for the final encore. It’s an uptempo, vibrant rock’n’roll song. But lyrically it delivers a scathing attack on people’s desperation to be part of the rat race, all done with a sly whack of humour."

Jome - branches, 2017

"Branches" is the closing track on Jome's debut album Tunnels, released on November 3, 2017. Jome is an indie pop duo from Los Angeles, consisting of Jesse Marc and Christoph Andersson, known for their ethereal, introspective sound blending electronic elements with organic instrumentation."

REM - beat a drum dalkey demo, 2001

"The "Dalkey Demo" is an early, acoustic-leaning version of the song "Beat a Drum" by the alternative rock band R.E.M. It was recorded during sessions in Dalkey, Ireland (a coastal town near Dublin), in early 2001, as part of the development for their album Reveal (released May 2001). This demo version has a more stripped-down, introspective feel compared to the polished studio take on Reveal, emphasizing Michael Stipe's vocals and subtle instrumentation. It was originally released as a B-side on the UK CD single for "Imitation of Life" (April 2001)"

Fleet Foxes - young man's game, 2020

"I thought it would be funny if Hamilton's kids were on it. My original idea was to have it sung by a 10-year-old boy, and then that was just too gimmicky or something. But I wanted there to be kids on it because it's referencing immaturity or naiveté - things about being young."

The Moody Blues - the story in your eyes live at royal albert hall hall of fame, 2000

"The band appears to be putting more into their playing here, with a pounding introduction to "The Story in Your Eyes," which gets a jagged, very edgy performance emphasizing the beat and some heavy guitar sounds over the original's lyricism."

Moby - this wild darkness, 2018

"The sweeping "This Wild Darkness" finds Moby searching for a reason to continue, following "The Middle Is Gone." As he intones over a lush backdrop, supporting vocalists sing "In this darkness/Please light my way." It's a beautiful way to usher out Everything Was Beautiful, And Nothing Hurt, as if Moby is offering a comforting sonic hug. After an album of such confessional, bittersweet sadness, he needs one too."

The Goon Sax - til the end, 2018

"This song, closing the album, captures the quiet ache of disconnection and unfulfilled potential, with its lo-fi guitars and shared vocals evoking a sense of inevitable fade-out."

Nada Surf - zen brain, 1996

"I’d place “Zen Brain” on my shelf of perfect wistful ‘90s indie rock LP-closing songs with Matthew Sweet’s “Smog Moon,” Superchunk “Martinis on the Roof,” and Radiohead’s “Street Spirit.” Ok, it’s a very specific list, but still. There’s just something about its zoned out sad bliss that has an hypnotic effect; all is OK with the world and with Nada Surf’s High/Low."

New Order - crystal album version, 2001

"Unsurprisingly bored by the stale British club scene circa 2001, the band opened Get Ready with a statement of purpose, a trailer single ("Crystal") featuring a host of longtime New Order staples: a sublime melody, an inscrutable set of lyrics, a deft, ragged guitar line kicking in for the chorus, and Peter Hook's yearning bass guitar taking a near-solo role."

Pet Shop Boys And Elton John - in private seven inch mix, 2012

"No "PSB version" of "In Private" came to light, not even a demo, until more than 15 years later, when the Boys recorded it as a duet with Elton John and released it on the Fundamentalism bonus disc and, in an alternate mix, as a bonus track on the "Minimal" single."

My Sad Captains - goodbye, 2014

"The track is the opener, and it's got that quiet storm energy—languid guitars, even-keeled instrumentation, and lyrics that feel like a gentle wave of regret and resolution."

James - move down south, 2016

"Tim has explained that the song was written sub-consciously about his family moving back to Topanga Canyon after a short time in Berkeley and that his son Luka pointed him to the lyrics of the song as a guide to tell him what to do."

REM - i wanted to be wrong, 2004

“I Wanted To Be Wrong” is one of the album’s unqualified successes. It’s a slow, pretty folk-pop ballad that attempts to reconcile a strong feeling of alienation from George W. Bush’s America and a sense of obligation to feel empathy for people the singer views as a destructive influence on his country and the world at large. It’s a very conflicted song, but it’s surprisingly low on angst — if anything, it comes across like a defeated shrug. There is certainly some anger in the lyrics, but it’s stifled and buried as the singer looks around, struggling to understand a culture that he barely recognizes, and openly rejects his identity and ideals. He’s trying to be fair, he’s trying not to be judgmental, but he can’t help it."

Percy Faith - theme from a summer place, 1959

"In 2025, it's popping up in AI-generated "nostalgia cores" on TikTok, but also in horror parodies—like a viral edit overlaying it on Jaws clips for ironic "summer dread." One X post called it "the soundtrack to your parents' midlife crisis."

Public Service Broadcasting - valentina, 2015

"Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova[a][b] (born 6 March 1937) is a Russian engineer, member of the State Duma, and former Soviet cosmonaut. She was the first woman in space, having flown a solo mission on Vostok 6 on 16 June 1963. She orbited the Earth 48 times, spent almost three days in space, is the only woman to have been on a solo space mission and is the last surviving Vostok programme cosmonaut. Twenty-six years old at the time of her spaceflight, she remains the youngest woman to have flown in space under the international definition of 100 km altitude, and the youngest woman to fly in Earth orbit."

Mythologen - radicalised feat johan duncanson the radio dept, 2025

"Mythologen is the alias of artist, designer and musician Alexander Palmestål from Gothenburg, Sweden. His early demos began circulating in 2002 as Pistol Disco, combining his love for Acid House, Bleep, and Kraut-influenced Techno to critical acclaim. This momentum led to international tours and releases on influential indie labels."

The Radio Dept - swedish guns, 2016

"If you’re familiar with their work, you’ll hear all of the breezy synths, the sweeping guitars and Johan Duncanson’s recognizable vocals. And just like their previous body of work, their new single “Swedish Guns” has this melancholy, sorrowful fervor. The melody at first is calming and relaxing. But the longer you let yourself drown into the song, the more you realize that Duncanson’s lyrics are eerily morose. He repeats the line “Swedish guns” throughout the song making the soothing melodies a dark experience."

Fleet Foxes - maestranza, 2020

"Shore is significantly less immediate than either their eponymous debut album or its follow-up, Helplessness Blues, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As I listened to the album, I found that my impulse to make comparisons with Fleet Foxes’ previous work fell away as I was increasingly absorbed by the new music. There are no obvious “standout” tracks like Oliver James here – Shore is a cohesive piece of work with much segueing between tracks and is clearly intended to be heard in that way."

The Moody Blues - for my lady live at red rocks, 1993

"I remember buying the Moody Blues single “I’m Just A Singer in a Rock and Roll Band” in the early seventies. It was a great rock and roll song. However, the flip side of the single called “For My Lady” caught my interest. The song’s bouncy flute opening had a very Irish ethnic storybook sound that took me someplace out to sea. Moody Blues music always depicts great visuals for those with vivid imaginations. Ultimately, there’s nothing more extraordinary than buying a 45 rpm single and then discovering that the B side is more interesting. Too bad those days are gone."

The Embassy - bad vibe, 2018

"It's hard to recall but the reason we started Embassy was partly that we had the same taste in music and also because of the way we sat, with the legs twisted together like a rope. A physical bond. Our first slogan was a quote by Subway Sect - "We oppose all rock 'n' roll". So being opposed to 'rock' was clearly an issue and we defined 'rock' as stupid and conservative in contrary to 'pop' that supposed to be free and fun, a valid simplification at the time. The ambition was to connect to our readings on the musical history founded in dub, disco, post-punk and acid house and to form discussion groups on the dance floor. It all came together with the Service label, striving for a new stylish hedonism with a touch of intellectualism."

James - all in my mind, 2014

"The mixture of dark, tortured and hedonistic lyrics, the throbbing synths raining down on the beats and Tim’s superb vocal delivery; utterly irresistible."

Nada Surf - icebox, 1996

"The Weezer wannabe tags were certainly understandable when it came to Nada Surf's debut; besides a similarity of intent (a quick, punchy post-grunge pop/rock album with quick, punchy post-grunge pop/rock songs), the production from Ric Ocasek sealed the deal for many. The fact that the band had been going for a while before Weezer's own 1995 splash seems to have been ignored, admittedly. But if Nada Surf never came up with anything that had the influence and lingering impact of Pinkerton, say, High/Low is a nicely frazzled and fun release that actually bears a little similarity at points to prime Cheap Trick. To be sure, it's not an exact comparison (Caws is nowhere near the singer Robin Zander is, for a start), but in terms of spiky intensity shot through with just enough emotional yearning, Caws has the job down well. His guitar playing does the business well enough, while the Lorca/Elliot rhythm section similarly shows its skill track for track."

The Embassy - sure, 2018

"In 2001, a Gothenburg, Sweden-based duo called the Embassy released a 7" titled Sneaky Feelings. Sharing a name with both an Elvis Costello song and a jangly 1980s New Zealand indie-pop group, the four-song EP was little-noticed by Americans at the time, but it marked a turning point for their city's music scene. Blending Fredrik Lindson's yearning vocals and chiming guitar chords with Torbjörn Håkansson' pattering percussion, euphoric electronics, and occasional exotic sample or two, the record had more in common with the twee-meets-house hybrids of early-1990s Saint Etienne than with any record of its period-- even the Avalanches' similarly balmy, ambitious Since I Left You. By the end of the 2000s, echoes of the Embassy's aesthetic could be found in critically acclaimed albums by Jens Lekman, the Tough Alliance (who named their imprint, Sincerely Yours, after an Embassy song), Studio (ditto for their Information imprint), Air France, jj, and the Honeydrips, among others. Gothenburg's indie pop scene was now run by mysterious pranksters all too happy to tie the already thin line between sincerity and artifice up in sailing knots."

The Moody Blues ‎- nights in white satin live at the royal albert hall in nineteen sixty-nine, 1977

"The full concert was recorded on December 12, 1969, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This was a pivotal show for the band, blending their progressive rock sound with live symphonic elements (featuring the London Festival Orchestra). The performance was a critical and commercial hit at the time, praised for its ambition and emotional depth. The Song in the Setlist: "Nights in White Satin" served as the dramatic closer. Written by lead guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward, it's a poetic ballad about unrequited love and longing, originally clocking in at over 7 minutes in the studio with the band's signature Mellotron swells and orchestral backing. The live rendition runs about 6:10, stripping back some orchestration but amplifying the heartfelt vocals and crowd energy."

Electronic - if you've got love, 1996

"Seven of the thirteen tracks were composed by full-time members Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner, and the other six co-written with former Kraftwerk member Karl Bartos. He was recommended to Electronic via a friend of Sumner's, and commuted to Manchester throughout 1995 during the recording sessions, which stretched from late 1994 to late 1995. The protracted sessions resulted in a dense, thick production that was later acknowledged by both Sumner and Marr and criticised in professional reviews; they consequently spent much less time on their next album Twisted Tenderness. Raise the Pressure was also remarked upon for Bernard Sumner's impressionistic lyrics, which some saw as the result of his use of Prozac during this period, following an appearance on the BBC 2 programme The Late Show, which explored the effects of the antidepressant on creativity. According to Sumner, however, he only wrote one lyric whilst under the influence of Prozac. Musically the album comprises guitar pop/rock songs ("One Day", "Out of My League") and more dance oriented tracks ("Until the End of Time", "If You've Got Love")."

Mojave 3 - keep it all hid, 1998

"The songs tickle by, softly floating timelessly, tirelessly, and the vocals are like a pillow for your head as you listen, enraptured, on the single "Some Kinda Angel," another first-rate piece of unhurried pop, and the more gripping "Keep It All Hid" and the gurgling "Baby's Coming Home."

Fleet Foxes - for a week or two, 2020

"The hymnal vocals are certainly beautiful. After a lot of densely packed tunes, it is a really nice contrast to have a piece that is so minimal instrumentally, with the piano and what sounds like the sustain pedal release beating here and there. Lovely, and well suited for its purpose on the album"

The Radio Dept - occupied, 2015

"The world can probably never get enough synthy dream-pop, and The Radio Dept. have been fulfilling that need for quite some time. The Swedish duo of Johan Duncanson and Martin Carlberg have been doing their thing since the late-90’s and with their first release, in 2001, of Lesser Matters. In 2016, Sofia Coppola included several of their on her new wave soundtrack for Marie Antoinette, elevating them further by placing them beside their own heroes, 80’s legends like Siouxsie and the Banshees, New Order, Gang of Four and The Cure."

Elbow - magnificent she says, 2017

"If it weren’t for Peter Gabriel and the prog era Genesis, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy artists like Elbow today along my personal journey. Gabriel and Genesis have touched so many creative lives over the years and cultivated a nourishing landscape for new prog artists to grow."

Club 8 - ooo, 2025

"Club 8 are an indie pop duo formed in 1995 in Stockholm, consisting of Karolina Komstedt (from the band Poprace) and Johan Angergård (Acid House Kings, The Legends, Poprace). The pair are back with a new single following up on their recent 11th album, A Year With Club 8. Released on January 10, “ooo” sees Komstedt and Angergård diving into a slightly poppier and more upbeat sound. The new track is a captivating blend of dream pop and indie pop, featuring a breezy, escapist melody and a dancing guitar line."

Editors - a ton of love acoustic, 2013

"adoration is exactly the emotion evoked by such deliciously addictive pop moments as the lead single, "A Ton of Love," which brings to mind the passionate, soulful rock of U2 and Echo & the Bunnymen."

The Moody Blues - have you heard part two live at the royal albert hall in nineteen sixty-nine, 1977

"The Moody Blues recorded a couple of live albums there. Most recently 2000’s Hall of Fame was taped there, which is an album I really love. But more famously, they recorded a concert there on December 12, 1969 which has been released under a number of different titles, first as Caught Live + 5, then as Disc 6 in the 17 disc Timeless Flight box set"

James - surfer's song, 2016

"Highlights like "Attention" and the churning electro-epic "Surfer's Song" rely on massive, intense crescendos that are another James specialty and a sure sign that their collective gears are well-oiled even after several decades playing together."

The Embassy - i-d, 2013

"In the small but massively influential so-called Swedish Balearic scene that emerged at the start of the last decade, Gothenburg duo the Embassy – Fredrik Lindson and Torbjörn Håkansson – were unwittingly cast as pioneers. Similarly minded bands such as Studio, the Tough Alliance and Air France all emerged in the wake of the Embassy's excellent 2002 debut Futile Crimes, with both the Tough Alliance and Studio naming their respective record labels after the Embassy's songs. As befits their sound – lush, laid-back and gorgeously hazy – the duo don't seem to be in any urgent rush to cement their status at the forefront of any sort of scene, having not released an album since 2005's critically acclaimed Tacking."

My Morning Jacket - thin line, 2015

"Literally being surrounded by trees and creatures every time we walked out of the studio doors. Every evening around sunset we would stop what we were doing and walk outside to watch the sun descend, like an enormous egg yolk slowly smashing down in a psychedelic wash of color, much like the colors of the waterfall on the album cover. Those images, the smell of ocean air and the openness of it all, seeped into every aspect of this record."

Editors - nothing live acoustic, 2013

"The album was mostly recorded live. Regarding the sound of the album, lead singer Tom Smith stated that it "[has] a foot in that alt rock/Americana world" and that it feels "untouchable at times". Lyrically, the album focuses on "love songs... that don't adhere to the traditional love song type".[4] Smith explained, "If I ever find myself writing something too straightforward, I try to twist it, so it ends up odd and baffling."

James - how hard the day, 2018

"Living in Extraordinary Times marks a band still working at their full capacity, bringing new ideas and sounds while retaining what inherently makes James James – big choruses, danceable tracks, and timely lyrics. While some tracks are on the long side, how can you blame them getting carried away?"

Purple Mountains - margaritas at the mall, 2019

"The world of commerce is a kind of a purgatory itself. The church created the doctrine of purgatory so people could do business. Purgatory really came up with capitalism and allowed people some religious freedom in a certain kind of way because they weren’t completely held back from money-lending or bankers.”

My Sad Captains - good to go, 2009

"Here And Elsewhere is a delight from start to finish. It’s sublime, placid, delicate. They remind me of a somewhat subdued Fanfarlo, they’re more low-key and a little lighter on the dramatic flourishes, though MSC is definitely in the same league when it comes to gorgeous music. It’s an album of sweeping tranquility, and mercy me it’s sensational. If I had to guess, I’d say MSC was listening to a whole lotta Beach Boys, Teenage Fanclub, and early Belle & Sebastian just before they holed up in the studio."

Jome - cinnamon, 2017

“Set to the backdrop of melodic guitar and piano that effortlessly lap across you, soft claps, and ethereal synths, “Cinnamon” slowly builds into a well-crafted, lush, and cinematic soundscape. Accompanying that backdrop is the hero of the track, which is, of course, JOME’s positively spellbinding voice.”

The Radio Dept - this thing was bound to happen, 2016

"The song reflects the Swedish duo's signature dreamy, synth-driven indie pop sound, with introspective lyrics and a melancholic yet danceable vibe. The album, released on October 21, 2016, marked a shift toward more politically charged themes, though this track leans into their classic emotional introspection."

Paul McCartney - freedom live, 2002

"McCartney performed the song on his 2002 Driving USA Tour and it appeared on the live album Back in the U.S. However, he chose not to perform it on subsequent tours, such as his 2005 The ‘US’ Tour, as he felt the song had acquired a militaristic meaning with the Bush administration’s Operation Iraqi Freedom. In an interview, McCartney stated: “And I thought it was a great sentiment, and immediately post-9/11, I thought it was the right sentiment. But it got hijacked. And it got a bit of a militaristic meaning attached itself to it, and you found Mr. Bush using that kind of idea rather a lot in [a way] I felt altered the meaning of the song.”

Pet Shop Boys - integral live at the mermaid theatre, 2006

"With a generally deadpan singer and another guy behind a bank of synthesizers, the Pet Shop Boys just aren't built for live albums, even if the songs are exquisite, there's an orchestra behind them, and some very special guests appear. While the duo can deliver in a live setting, the experience relies heavily on the visual, check the Performance or Somewhere concert videos for proof."

Editors - come share the view, 2005

"The Back Room lunges at you with a dynamic that's fierce, wiry, and slightly fashionable. Alternative rock hasn't seen anything like this since the release of Turn on the Bright Lights."

Secret Machines - everything starts, 2020

"It acts as a tribute to frontman Brandon Curtis’s brother Benjamin because they built the song around the deceased musician’s guitar work. Drummer Josh Garza has said this about it: “When I close my eyes and listen to ‘Everything Starts’ I see three guys in a room playing music. I see Ben, Brandon and me… we’re all playing our instruments, we’re all smiling and it’s probably a bit too loud.” And as sad and troubling as the lyrical subject matter is, Josh’s image is beautiful and satisfying."

The Moody Blues - a simple game single b-side, 1968

"Given the Four Tops’ history at Motown, I must admit I’d always imagined “A Simple Game” was another monster hit fashioned by Motown’s ace writing and production team, Holland-Dozier-Holland, who wrote and produced many of what we would now regard as the classic Motown tracks. How wrong could I be... ?"

REM - country feedback live from wiesbaden germany, 2003

"R.E.M. began their Warner contract in 1988 as the biggest band to emerge from the college-radio-fueled American underground. Fifteen years later, they released In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003, the first overview of their long stint at Warner Records. During that decade and a half, R.E.M. had a turbulent journey. At the outset, their legend and influence as one of the key - if not the key - bands of the American underground was firmly in place, but their success kept growing, culminating in a breakthrough to international stardom in 1991 thanks to "Losing My Religion" and Out of Time."

Moby - are you lost in the world like me, 2016

"Co-credited to the Void Pacific Choir - a name derived from a D.H. Lawrence quote - These Systems Are Failing is only slightly more collaborative than Moby's solitary ambient work, and its effect is the opposite of that. Fully energized and tightly concentrated, the producer's first studio album in three years is a concise and infrequently relenting set of nine songs that rail against those who have caused emotional and planetary harm. Moby revisits his punk and post-punk roots with a needling attack."

Jome - concrete, 2017

"Concrete" is a track by the Los Angeles-based indie pop duo JOME (consisting of Jesse Marc and Christoph Andersson). It appears as the eighth song on their debut album Tunnels, released on November 3, 2017. The album blends woodland pop, dream pop, and experimental elements, with themes of introspection, emotional distance, and subtle melancholy."

Pet Shop Boys - indefinite leave to remain live at the mermaid theatre, 2006

"The Pet Shop Boys recorded their first live album at a special one-off concert at the Mermaid Theatre in London on May 8, 2006 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of their first big hit, "West End Girls." They were supported by the BBC Concert Orchestra and a slew of renowned guest stars—including Trevor Horn, Anne Dudley, Lol Creme, Steve Lipson, Rufus Wainwright, Frances Barber, and Robbie Williams—on both instruments and vocals. (If you don't count their Battleship Potemkin dates, this was their first full-length live show with orchestral accompaniment.) Trevor Horn also served as musical director for the evening. The recording was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 later that same month."

The Radio Dept - teach me to forget, 2016

"The sublime melody and chord progression evokes potent feelings: defiance, resignation, a sense of the inevitable. Even during its extended instrumental coda, heavy with irresistible house-music piano and a synth filigree that could’ve been lifted off a Toto (!) record, the song’s momentum is sustained and deepened—you almost don’t want it to end, but it abruptly does, and the spooky title track carries these feelings further, all the way through the closing, quietly seething “Teach Me To Forget”.

James - better than that, 2018

"EP opener and first single Better Than That is upbeat and fast-paced, an ode to improvement, urging the universe to do its worst with Tim signing “you can do better than that”, kick starting the four tracks into gear. Busted is more mellow and dreamlike, with gentle guitars building in intensity as drums and brass join the fray. Hank with its buzzing guitars and distorted vocals is the most outspoken lyrically, warning of “white fascists in the white house” encouraging listeners to “bend the knee and stand your ground”.

Editors - forest fire, 2005

"The British indie rock band Editors released their debut album The Back Room on July 4, 2005 (via Kitchenware Records in the UK). "Forest Fire" is a track from this album, known for its post-punk revival sound with driving guitars, brooding vocals, and themes of fleeting intensity and emotional turmoil. The song's title evokes the metaphor of a consuming blaze—passionate yet destructive—mirroring the lyrics' exploration of impermanence in relationships."

Purple Mountains - that’s just the way that i feel, 2019

“If I were asked to name a poetry book with a perfect opening, David Berman‘s ‘Actual Air’ would be the first one that comes to mind,” wrote Dupuis. “I’m always thinking about [the] poem ‘Snow.'”

El Vy - sleeping light, 2015

"EL VY (pronounced like a plural of Elvis; rhymes with ‘hell pie’) is the musical collaboration between Matt Berninger, vocalist and lyricist of The National, and Brent Knopf, the Portland musician and producer best known for his work in Menomena and his more recent band, Ramona Falls."

Helado Negro - protector, 2025

"‘Protector’ unfolds over woozy, ominous synths as Lange delivers a cynical reflection on the illusion that those in power act in the public’s best interest. The track builds into a noisy crescendo of classic jungle breaks, slicing through layers of echoing vocals that feel both chaotic and cathartic. Accompanied by an official visualizer, the single finds Lange exploring a darker, more confrontational sound while maintaining his signature warmth and introspection."

The Moody Blues - have you heard part one live at the royal albert hall in nineteen sixty-nine, 1977

"The most impressive thing about Caught Live + 5 is that the Moodies, whose reputation was made on their larger-than-life studio achievements, proved more than up to the task of reproducing these achievements live."

James - interrogation, 2014

"‘Interrogation’ mixes post punk with subtle electronics and you know what? It works pretty well, injecting the song with a memorable dose of urgency and desperation."

Etienne Daho - bleu comme toi live, 2005

"Bleu comme toi (Live 2004)" is an iconic live performance by French singer Étienne Daho, featured on his live album Sortir ce soir - Best of Live, released in 2005. This version captures the energy of a 2004 concert."

Del Amitri - i was here, 1985

"Sounding like a gang of snotty pop antagonists, Del Amitri came out swinging on this quirky and often brilliant debut. Vocalist Justin Currie's lyrics were intelligent and witty, laced with sarcasm and venom. With jaunty rhythms and quirky melodies, calling them the bastard sons of XTC and Elvis Costello would not have been too far off the mark."

The Radio Dept - committed to the cause, 2016

"The Radio Dept. mixes moody, dreamy aesthetics with a straightforward pop sensibility—a successful formula they demonstrated on singles like “Heaven’s on Fire” and “Never Follow Suit.” And it’s a balancing act they attempt to continue on Running Out of Love—a long delayed album that arrives after five years of near silence from the band."

Fleet Foxes - a long way past the past, 2020

"The melody is so satisfying in this song, you could strip it down to the most minimal elements and I think it would be just as impactful. The bridge is stunning, "I inherited this and I'm overcome" feels like a huge release of tension, and I really like how the song resolves with a single vocal stem after the rest of the song is all harmonies."

Deerhunter - duplex planet, 2015

"Two of the strongest tracks get some nice assists: “Duplex Planet” has a striking electric harpsichord cameo by Tim Gane of Stereolab, while “Take Care” sees James Cargill of the brilliant Broadcast taking on synth duties and spinning tape manipulations around a sweeping, deceptively sweet waltz."

REM - the worst joke ever live, 2009

"I finally understood why I kind of enjoy this song. The live version has a Fables of the Reconstruction vibe, it resembles a bit Good Advices. Both songs open similarly."

Etienne Daho - retour à toi live, 2005

"The most iconic live version is from 2004, captured in the Sortir ce soir - Best of Live album (released 2005), recorded during high-energy concerts where Daho’s rock-pop vibe and emotional delivery shine."

Deerhunter - basement scene, 2010

"It's widely seen as an overt nod to the Everly Brothers' 1958 classic "All I Have to Do Is Dream," with its ethereal harmonies and escapist lyrics flipping the original's romantic longing into a meditation on aging, memory, and lost friends."

The Radio Dept - sloboda narodu, 2016

"The title of the song, Sloboda Narodu, is Serbo-Croat for “Death to fascism, freedom to the people!”. This was the slogan of the Yugoslav partisans fighting the fascists during World War II. The phrase was coined by Croatian partisan Stjepan Filipović, who, with a noose around his neck, proclaimed the phrase just before he was hung."

The Durutti Column - in d, 1980

"It's a delicate, looping guitar composition with subtle reverb, evoking a sense of introspection. Interestingly, it's an alternate mix of another track on the album called "Sketch for Winter."

Damien Jurado - we are what we dream, 2025

"The Notes of Seasons" and "We Are What We Dream" were originally written for the "Maraqopa" album (2012), however they were never properly recorded until August 2025. It is with great pleasure to finally introduce these songs into the world as they were originally intended."

Massage - daffy duck, 2025

"Daffy Duck" has a hook like something from The Lightning Seeds, and a vibe like tracks from my favorite New Order album (Brotherhood). It's as light as air, but also a little bit heavy (that bass is excellent). The melody hangs around the ears, then things soar."

Dolores O'Riordan - it's you, 2009

"No Baggage is the second and final solo studio album by Irish musician Dolores O'Riordan. It was released on 21 August 2009 in Ireland, most of the world on 24 August 2009 and on 25 August 2009 in North America. The first single, "The Journey" was released to radio on 13 July in North America and on 10 August in Europe."

Ride - dial up, 2019

"The full album dropped on August 16, 2019, via Wichita Recordings, debuting at No. 11 on the UK charts and earning solid acclaim for its bold evolution (e.g., 7.4/10 from Pitchfork, 3.5/5 from NME). "Dial Up" wasn't a single but became a fan favorite for its uplifting, positive energy — Bandcamp reviewers called it "mesmerising" and "upbeat," perfect for shaking off the blues."

The Cure - friday i'm in love acoustic version, 1993

"The acoustic version of Friday I'm in Love by The Cure is a stripped-down take on their 1992 hit from the Wish album. Released as part of the 1993 compilation Acoustic Hits, it features Robert Smith's signature whimsical vocals over a simpler arrangement, emphasizing jangly guitar chords and a lighter, more intimate vibe compared to the upbeat, pop-driven original. The acoustic version keeps the song's infectious melody and romantic lyrics, but with a raw, unpolished feel that highlights its emotional core."

The Antlers - carnage, 2025

"Absolutely crazy, late-Low vibes in some parts. I'm happy to see Peter is again able to perform louder songs and reach his range again. I really root for The Antlers, I feel like they've got slowly forgotten, I really hope this fresh sound gets people interested and actually considers them outside Hospice."

Ride - end game, 2019

"This Is Not a Safe Place was a critical darling, praised for its lush production and emotional depth."

El Perro Del Mar - i can't talk about it, 2006

El Perro del Mar · I Can't Talk About It

"El Perro del Mar is the second album by Swedish musician Sarah Assbring, a.k.a. El Perro del Mar. It was first released in Sweden on 10 April 2006 by Hybris Records, in Europe by Memphis Industries, in Australasia on 6 November 2006 by Rogue Records, and in the United States on 7 November 2006 by The Control Group. The album is a revised version of her 2005 compilation Look! It's El Perro del Mar!."

The Moody Blues - nights in white satin mono single master, 1967

"John Charles Lodge (20 July 1943 – 10 October 2025) was an English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the bass guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and principal songwriter for the longstanding progressive rock band the Moody Blues. Joining the group in 1966, Lodge contributed to many of their most acclaimed albums, including Days of Future Passed, Seventh Sojourn, and Long Distance Voyager, helping shape the band’s signature symphonic rock sound."

Deerhunter - memory boy, 2010

"Deerhunter can be difficult to pin down, never telegraphing their punches. They proudly bear the garage rock stamp, sure, but a song like “Memory Boy”, from 2010’s spectacularly colorful Halcyon Digest, is something else entirely: noise rock converging with baroque pop."

Saint Etienne - star, 1997

"It was written by Sarah Cracknell and Ian Catt, and later covered by Ribbons vs. Armaments in 2023 for the album PRF Tribute 111 / Saint Etienne. Continental itself is a Japan-only release from 1997, featuring a mix of pop and electronic influences typical of Saint Etienne’s indie dance style."

The Cure - in between days acoustic version, 2001

"The UK and international editions of the album feature a similar track listing, with the exception of three songs that only appear on one or the other: the international release features "The Walk", while the UK release excludes it in favour of "The Caterpillar" and "Pictures of You". In an effort to provide something new for the hardcore fans who owned the previously released songs, Smith arranged for the band and former member Boris Williams to re-record acoustic versions of the Greatest Hits. Only the select first pressings of Greatest Hits were bundled with the bonus disc of Acoustic Hits."

Saint Etienne - the way we live now, 2002

"Saint Etienne remain England's best pop group - they only look bad when they're compared to themselves, and this album, for all its shortcomings, has a handful of moments capable of making you think that they are the best pop group to have ever existed."

The Moody Blues - are you sitting comfortably live at the royal albert hall in nineteen sixty-nine, 1977

"a dreamy, folk-inflected song with medieval undertones, featuring mellow vocals and flute accents. The lyrics invite listeners to relax and immerse themselves in a reflective, almost storytelling vibe, fitting the band’s psychedelic-prog aesthetic."

Junip - your life your call, 2013

“Your Life Your Call” sounds like a dance hit with the volume turned down, pushing the rhythm to the forefront while González’s nylon string guitar colors the edges. It’s these kinds of surprising combinations that will make it hard for González to ever leave Junip again."

The Cure - catch live, 1990

"The inspiration for this sweet, “Catch”-y little song just might surprise you. It also helps to clear up something that has always left me scratching my head just a little: how exactly did The Cure end up contributing a brand new song to the 1993 Judge Dredd soundtrack? Well, it turns out that Robert Smith wrote “Catch” after watching a late-night airing of Rocky II back in the mid-’80s."

The Radio Dept - we made the team, 2011

"At the end of 2006, a new track, "We Made the Team", was released as the 100th release on the Labrador. It was also the final track on the Labrador's labels Compilation of 100 tracks released at the beginning of 2007."

Cranberries - i don't need, 1994

“I Don’t Need” is a lesser-known track, often overshadowed by hits like “Zombie” and “Ode to My Family” from the same album. It was released as a B-side to the “Zombie” single, which peaked at #22 in the UK and topped charts in several countries. The song itself is a short, melancholic piece with Dolores O’Riordan’s signature emotive vocals, reflecting themes of independence and emotional resilience."

Pet Shop Boys - what are we going to do about the rich, 2019

"The song 'What are we going to do about the rich?' by Pet Shop Boys criticizes the wealthy elite for their exploitation and lack of accountability, highlighting issues like tax evasion and societal imbalance. It questions the actions of the rich, pointing out their disregard for social responsibility and the negative impact of their power on communities."