Joan Jett: Bad Reputation

Joan Jett is undoubtedly the queen of rock and roll. And while her tribute-turned-bar-anthem expressing her love for the genre might be her most popular song, “Bad Reputation” is arguably her best. This week the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced that Joan Jett will join the honored class of 2015—so while she might not give a damn about how she’s perceived, the nomination …

D’Angelo and The Vanguard: Black Messiah

Fourteen years since his last record, D’Angelo has finally released his incredible new album, Black Messiah. Not only is it a beautiful, thoughtful and soulful album (as always expected from the singer/songwriter/instrumentalist), it’s also poignantly timely—appearing mere days after thousands of people across America protested police brutality against black and brown communities. D’Angelo’s voice is still immediately recognizable; disarmingly powerful and yet unforced—especially in “Prayer,” …

Dent May: I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas

“Tis the season to be high / So fill my cup to top / Light me up till I’m hot.” A true indie alternative to the Mariah Carey, Wham and Frank Sinatra that takes over department store PA systems during the holiday season is Mississippi-based Dent May’s “I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas.” Insanely catchy, with relatable lyrics for any smoker headed back home for the …