Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution Jann Wenner’s Blinkered Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution
He built an empire on the foundations laid by Black musicians—but fails entirely to recognize that.
Sep 22, 2023 / Joan Walsh
Top 10 Labor Day Songs Top 10 Labor Day Songs
In honor of Labor Day, here’s a stab at the impossible task of naming the best songs ever written about working people.
Sep 4, 2023 / Peter Rothberg
If the Left Doesn’t Channel Populist Resentment, We Know Who Will If the Left Doesn’t Channel Populist Resentment, We Know Who Will
What tone-deaf liberals can’t hear in Rich Men North of Richmond.
Aug 24, 2023 / Erica Etelson
The New Bard of the Right The New Bard of the Right
When a video of his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” went viral, Oliver Anthony claimed he was politically “dead center.” His lyrics say otherwise.
Aug 18, 2023 / Chris Lehmann for The Nation
The Return of Noname The Return of Noname
In her new album, Sundial, the rapper melds her activism and artistry seamlessly.
Aug 17, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse
How the UK’s Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People How the UK’s Metal Scene Became a Haven for Trans People
Amid Britain’s relentless transphobia, the metal community is creating an ever-growing number of trans icons.
Aug 17, 2023 / William Elisabeth Cuthbert
The Indigenous Roots of Robbie Robertson’s Rock and Roll Revolution The Indigenous Roots of Robbie Robertson’s Rock and Roll Revolution
The music called Americana was created by a Jewish-Canadian-Cayuga-Mohawk.
Aug 14, 2023 / Jeet Heer
Sinéad O’Connor (1966–2023): Premature Anti-Fascist Sinéad O’Connor (1966–2023): Premature Anti-Fascist
For years, O’Connor had been raising an alarm about pedophile priests exploiting children with impunity while an enabling Vatican hierarchy looked the other way.
Aug 1, 2023 / Margaret Spillane
Jason Aldean’s Town Without Pity Jason Aldean’s Town Without Pity
The country star’s new single and video cash in on long-running racial resentments.
Aug 1, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Sinead O'Connor Began Singing Her Black Lives Matter Anthem in 1990 Sinead O'Connor Began Singing Her Black Lives Matter Anthem in 1990
Sinéad O’Connor explained the point of her career in her 2021 memoir: “Everyone wants a pop star. See? But I am a protest singer.” And her protests were epic. After O’Connor’s deat…
Jul 28, 2023 / John Nichols