B Stout

Noise Rock Band Unsane's Chris Spencer Is Committed » PopMatters The lead singer of the New York noise institution Unsane, Chris Spencer, talks about the reissue of their classic Occupational Hazard.

Interview with Chris Spencer of UNSANE!!!

www.popmatters.com/unsane-occup...

Brian S (@bcstout) Day 7 (Day 5 if you’re keeping track in business days) of life without a day job. Here are some of my thoughts from the last week: Looking for a job is a full-time job. I am trying to devise a plan...

substack.com/@bcstout/not...

Brian S (@bcstout) Note: I will not mention my former employer by name, but many of you know where I worked until last Thursday morning. You likely also know that I would have sung their praises until about a year ago. ...

substack.com/@bcstout/not...

And a year later, the Black Cat riots in Los Angeles, also pre-Stonewall (and central to The Advocate’s origin story).

Meet the Minneapolis Punks Fighting ICE People in the DIY music scene are using the community organizing tactics they learned by putting on shows to battle ICE.

In the greater story of Minneapolis’ resistance to ICE, one chapter absolutely belongs to the punks organizing at every level. They’re observing, fundraising, running supplies, opening their spaces, coordinating, etc.

A story for @rollingstone.com. Thanks to everyone who spoke on the record.

Put Punxsutawney Phil in the wicker man to see if that is what winter needs to leave us alone

My entire feed there is a bunch of rage bait. Feels like what I’d expect from X.

A Conversation with Guided By Voices' Robert Pollard » PopMatters The Guided By Voices machine is as well-oiled as they come, but Robert Pollard attributes quality and consistency to chemistry.

Interviewed the legend Bob Pollard for @popmatters! GBV has been one of my very favorite bands for so long. What a way to start the year! And go listen to Thick, Rich, and Delicious. It is all those things and more.

www.popmatters.com/guided-by-vo...

@popmatters.com @gbvlyrics.bsky.social

Girls Against Boys' Scott McCloud Discusses Conversations » PopMatters Girls Against Boys singer Scott McCloud goes solo for a compelling song collection focused on the passage of time and the memories that last, even as they evolve.

My interview with Scott McCloud of Girls Against Boys! New solo record out next week and it’s excellent.
@popmatters.com

www.popmatters.com/scott-mcclou...

Xiu Xiu's Covers Album Is a Diverse, Rewarding Listen » PopMatters Indie institution Xiu Xiu transform the sound of a diverse set of tracks to emphasize the darkness and despair lurking within them.

New Xiu Xiu covers record rules.
@polyvinyl.bsky.social

www.popmatters.com/xiu-xiu-muth...

If you die in Dilbert you die in real life

Delightful. Joining my holiday movie canon.

The Afghan Whigs Share a Pair of Powerful Covers » PopMatters The Afghan Whigs have released two new cover tracks, "Fake Like" and Downtown".

Reviewed the new Afghan Whigs single, a pair of beautiful covers.

www.popmatters.com/the-afghan-w...

Girls Against Boys' Scott McCloud shares his new single, the title track from his upcoming album, 'Make It to Forever', out on 30th January.

🎶 LISTEN: tinyurl.com/McCloud2026

Good

Next Flint Local 432 Highlights Different Shades of Punk By Brian Stout

One of my favorite pieces I wrote this year. What a privilege to celebrate the all ages punk club that gave me most of my friends. medium.com/flint-local-...

Incredible Cursive show in Indy a couple days ago. Never miss them.

The 10 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2025 » PopMatters The best hip-hop albums celebrate classic styles with new approaches, blend rap with electronic, jazz, and soul, and push the boundaries of genre.

The 10 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2025

The Best Film of 2025 » PopMatters Like life itself in these times the visceral, the absurd, and the morbid all take their rightful place in our eclectic compilation of Best Films 2025.

The Best Film of 2025

Took a look back at Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist.

www.popmatters.com/dead-kennedy...

The 30 Best Rock Albums of 2025 » PopMatters This was another noteworthy year for the best rock music. Some artists followed a debut with a stunning second LP and mainstays showed a return to form or evolved.

Got some entries in the best rock albums list! www.popmatters.com/best-rock-al...
@popmatters.com

I’ve got some entries here. Staff list!

www.popmatters.com/best-albums-...

@popmatters.com
@barteesstrange.bsky.social
@theophelias.bsky.social

Danny Brown Remains Unpredictable on 'Stardust' » PopMatters Despite the mixed results on Stardust, two things remain clear: it'll be impossible to predict where Danny Brown goes next, and it will be appointment listening.

Despite the mixed results on 'Stardust', two things remain clear: it’ll be impossible to predict where Danny Brown goes next, and it will be appointment listening.

Out now via @warprecords.bsky.social

REVIEW: tinyurl.com/DannyBrown25

@spartanrecords.bsky.social

The Best Punk and Hardcore Albums of 2025 » PopMatters The best punk ranges from pop-leaning emo to potent noise, shoegaze, and hardcore to Revolution Summer-inspired politically minded blasts of righteous anger.

My best punk and hardcore list for @popmatters.com is up!
@setterwindrecords.bsky.social
@culttherapymusic.bsky.social
@deafclub.bsky.social
@relapserecords.bsky.social
@greetdeath.bsky.social
@poolkidsband.bsky.social
@epitaphrecords.bsky.social

www.popmatters.com/best-punk-ha...

Armand Hammer and the Alchemist Deliver a Masterclass » PopMatters For listeners drawn to the art of hip-hop, the music meant to stand the test of time, Armand Hammer and the Alchemist's Mercy is a feast.

New Armand Hammer record review.

www.popmatters.com/armand-hamme...

@backwoodzstudioz.bsky.social
@popmatters.com

Lemonheads' Evan Dando Authors His Addictive Hooks » PopMatters Lemonhead Evan Dando's long-awaited memoir is an engaging, sometimes harrowing, trip through the 1990s alternative rock boom.

My review of the new Evan Dando book for @popmatters.com

www.popmatters.com/evan-dando-r...

Shudder to Think – "Thirst Walk"/"Playback" » PopMatters Shudder to Think pick up where they left off with two new singles.

New section on @popmatters.com !
We are reviewing singles now. My first one is about the new Shudder to Think single!
@dischord.com

www.popmatters.com/shudder-to-t...

A Tribe Called Quest released ‘Midnight Marauders’ 32 years ago on November 9, 1993

album.ink/atcqMM

The Lemonheads' Songcraft Is Intact on 'Love Chant' » PopMatters The Lemonheads' Evan Dando returns with his first collection of originals in quite some time, adding country and psychedelia to the mix.

Evan Dando is back with a solid collection of songs.

www.popmatters.com/the-lemonhea...