Welcome to our weekly recap of what’s happening on the weekly Billboard singles and album charts. Compiled on the basis of weekly sales and, in the singles charts, radio and streaming airplay, the Billboard listings have for …
Music
Andy Williams: A Farewell Song for the “Moon River” Man
Launching top-10 easy-listening hits, or crooning in a sweater on TV, Williams was a smooth sedative in a volcanic era of pop culture
Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle on Songwriting for Tormented Souls
“People were saying, ‘You’re going to write songs about how much you love your son,’ and I was like two middle fingers in the air, no, I’m not.”
Did One Direction Steal New Single’s Intro from The Clash?
Eight notes of music followed by three scratching strums: it’s perhaps one of the most recognizable song intros in rock history, from The Clash’s classic “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” And now those opening bars are at it again, in One Direction’s new single “Live While We’re Young.” The video for the song, meant to debut today, …
Bon Iver in New York: An Indie Group’s Moment to Shine
Known for quiet songs and intimate shows, Bon Iver launched a new international tour last night with the first of four sold-out performances at Radio City Music Hall. For one long-time fan, growing pains were evident
The Killers Are Both Grand and Forgettable with Battle Born
This post is in partnership with Consequence of Sound, an online music publication devoted to the ever growing and always thriving worldwide music scene.
There is something deeply, embarrasingly satisfying about The …
G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer: More Like Pretty G.O.O.D.
The first album from the Kanye-West-led collective is available Sept. 18
Kreayshawn and 9 Other Female MCs You Should Know
‘Something ‘Bout Kreay’ drops today, but the woman-driven beats don’t stop at “Gucci Gucci”
Christian Music’s Moment: How TobyMac and Lecrae Conquered the Countdown
For the first time in 15 years, a Christian album is No. 1. TIME examines how Christian music hit the mainstream and why it’s here to stay
Lil Wayne Is Rabid, Raw on Dedication 4
The rapper’s latest mixtape contains moments both great and questionable
Bob Dylan Creates a Perfect Storm on Tempest
The legendary artist burns bright on his 35th studio album
Cyndi Lauper Talks Memoirs, Music—And Seders with Springsteen
“Everything in life that you don’t understand opens up to you as you live.”
David Byrne & St. Vincent Go Big with Love This Giant
Two creative pioneers make sweet music together on their new collaborative album