Pop Progress: From the Beatles to Nicki Minaj Pop Progress: From the Beatles to Nicki Minaj
Popular music still works as a place where young people can try out notions that challenge ideas dear to their parents.
Oct 3, 2016 / David Hajdu
The Virtue of Patience The Virtue of Patience
It has taken a lifetime of reading, writing, and drawing for Daniel Clowes to achieve the creative maturity on display in his new book.
Sep 8, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Hit Machine Hit Machine
It’s unclear what the Clinton campaign thought they could gain by association with Katy Perry on the DNC’s biggest night.
Jul 29, 2016 / David Hajdu
David Ackles, Rediscovered Again David Ackles, Rediscovered Again
Stacy Sullivan’s jazz tribute elevates the unknown troubadour back to his rightful place among the glittered gods of ’70s pop-rock.
Jul 20, 2016 / David Hajdu
Now He’s Amazed Now He’s Amazed
A stalwart critic of Paul McCartney becomes a fan.
Jun 22, 2016 / David Hajdu
A James Brown Book Like No Other A James Brown Book Like No Other
Kill ’Em and Leave is a stunningly unorthodox book, indifferent to the conventions of biographical nonfiction.
Jun 16, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Old Locks and Irregular Pounds Old Locks and Irregular Pounds
Henry Threadgill’s improvisations are adventurous, though never at the expense of human feeling.
Jun 3, 2016 / David Hajdu
Prince: The Moment’s End Prince: The Moment’s End
The artist was a creative force who seemed constitutionally incapable of not making music.
Apr 22, 2016 / David Hajdu
Why Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie Why Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie
In the making of Blackstar, David Bowie trusted that Donny McCaslin and his quartet would invoke a profoundly emotive album.
Jan 26, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Trump the Improviser? Trump the Improviser?
This candidate operates in a jazz-like fashion, but all he makes is unexpected noise.
Jan 21, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu