POINTS OF REFERENCE is a music news blog for people with actual lives and/or short attention spans: a weekly selection of topical, pop music talking points fit for bars and break rooms. It’s divided into three sections: NEWS (duh), ALBUM RELEASES (once more with feeling), and STUFF AND THINGS (random, music-related crap from the internet). So, I’m all finished up here. Scroll down, won’t you?
NEWS:
- Flaming Lips released a “companion piece” to Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” (EMI). The LP, called “Flaming Side of the Moon,” is streaming over at SoundCloud.
- GWAR frontman David Brockie passed away. He was 50.
- Elvis Costello, Jim James, Rhiannon Giddens, and Taylor Goldsmith are recording some unfinished Bob Dylan tunes. T Bone Burnett is producing. Marcus Mumford is adjusting his suspenders.
- Bill Murray, legend.
- Wu-Tang Clan is releasing a single copy of their new double-album, “The Wu–Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.”
- Ginuwine, Jeff Tweedy, The Decemberists, and Yo La Tengo will appear on an episode of “Parks And Recreation.”
- Fiona Apple, weirdo.
ALBUM RELEASES, APRIL 1:
Cloud Nothings, “Here And Nowhere” (Carpark). Listen.
Manchester Orchestra, “Cope” (Favorite Gentlemen).
Nickel Creek, “A Dotted Line” (Nonesuch). Listen.
Timber Timbre, “Hot Dreams” (Arts & Crafts). Listen.
STUFF & THINGS:
- NPR published a grunge-heavy drum fill quiz.
- Artist Sarah King created an illustrated map of New York hip-hop culture for New York Magazine. Also, check out the magazine’s ongoing series, “100 Years of New York Music.”
- Consequence of Sound explored Paul Au’s mind-blowing record collection.
