S. W. Lauden is the editor of Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming. He’s also the co-editor of Go All The Way: A Literary Appreciation of Power Pop and the sequel, Go Further.
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Steve’s a father, husband, writer and drummer living in LA. Instagram: @swlauden.
With a self-titled double album of new material, U.S. and U.K./European tours, a career-spanning documentary, and an in-depth oral history book, brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald have unwittingly launched the Year of Redd Kross…and it is glorious.
A conversation with artist and musician Brian Walsby about his background in ’80s fanzine culture, how music fuels his art, and his recent series of power pop drawings.
Fountains of Wayne’s opus, Welcome Interstate Managers, gave the band their biggest hit, but legions of dedicated fans will tell you that there’s much more to this album than just “Stacy’s Mom.”
What makes for the perfect summer road trip song? We asked modern guitar pop musicians from Hurry, Dungeon of Skeletons, Tamar Berk, The Goods, The Summertimes, The Evening Sons, and Julez and the Rollerz.
Three young siblings from Minneapolis who deliver an energetic mix of indie rock and punk on their debut album ‘Sisu.’
Paint Fumes frontman Elijah von Cramon talks about the pronounced new power pop direction on his band’s latest album, ‘Real Romancer.’
There’s a whirlwind of rock and roll activity in Los Angeles these days and Billy Tibbals is among a handful of talented young musicians at the heart of the action.
The Speedways frontman discusses the evolution of the band on their excellent new album ‘Talk Of The Town.’
The Chicago-based singer/songwriter discusses the latest Phil Yates & the Affiliates album, Illinois’ impressive power pop roots, and influences ranging from Elvis Costello to Guided By Voices.
An interview with Rory Cameron and Joey Rubbish about The Whiffs’ impressive sophomore album, ‘Scratch ‘N’ Sniff.’ Plus the exclusive premiere of “Shot Thru,” the second single from the new album.
Mike Patton of the ‘A Christmas Story’-themed band Ralphie’s Red Ryders and the ‘Snow In Southtown’ holiday podcast shares his five favorite Christmas albums.
The Washington D.C. trio deftly combines melodic hooks, jangly guitars and angular punk energy on their seventh album.
A wide-ranging interview with the frontman of The Rentals. He discusses his latest soundtrack project, his collaborations with Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, his timely track “Elon Musk Is Making Me Sad,” and more.
‘Hear In LA’ podcast host Tony Pierce shares his five favorite Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Author, musician and TV/film editor Eric Beetner shares his five favorite classic crime authors.
‘OUTOFBODY’ is a kaleidoscopic combination of sunny ’60s pop hooks and gritty ’90s alternative rock guitars that feels thoroughly modern.
Modern power pop artists discuss the lasting influence of this mythic debut album. Featuring Dazy, 2nd Grade, Nick Frater, Uni Boys and Radio Days.
Jan Radder’s excellent new memoir, ‘Immature Loser Punk,’ is a coming-of-age story about a misfit kid whose life was saved by punk rock and horror movies.
2nd Grade’s third album, ‘Easy Listening,’ is a shining example of modern power pop at its best.
Kate Clover’s album, ‘Bleed Your Heart Out,’ combines punk energy, rock and roll snarl and more than a few heart-stopping hooks.
Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin frontman shares his favorite Government Issue songs to play when he was in the band in the early ’80s.
The road to creating a classic power pop album isn’t always a straight line, but Uni Boys got there with ‘Do It All Next Week’.
Portland-based singer/songwriter Mo Troper is back with his fifth solo album, ‘MTV.’
‘Generation Riff’ founder Rob Janicke shares his five favorite non-fiction rock books.
‘The High Desert’ author James Spooner shares his five favorite black female-/non-binary fronted punk bands.
Supercrush guitarist/vocalist Mark Palm shares his five favorite underrated songwriters.
Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick shares his five favorite stand-up comedians.
Larry Jaffee, author of ‘Record Store Day: The Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century,’ shares his five favorite Record Store Day releases.
Hannah Judge of fanclubwallet shares her five favorite Rilo Kiley songs.
The Muffs bassist Ronnie Barnett shares his five favorite KISS songs.
Author Jim Ruland talks about his new book ‘Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise and Fall of SST Records.’
An exclusive excerpt from the new book, ‘Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming.’
Tim Hinely, founder of ‘Dagger’ zine and author of ‘Where The Wild Gigs Were,’ shares his five favorite venues.
Calvin Halliday and James Hindle of U.S. Highball share their five favorite Glasgow albums.
Nerf Herder guitarist Linus of Hollywood shares his five favorite classic metal albums.
American film director, producer, film editor, author and musician Drew Stone shares his five favorite documentary films.
Mo Troper, Peter Gill of 2nd Grade and Ben Cook of Young Guv talk modern power pop and the music that inspires it.
Singer/songwriter Marissa Nadler shares her five favorite cover songs of all time.
Aaron Carnes, author of ‘In Defense of Ska,’ shares his five favorite ’90s ska songs.
Lynn Perko-Truell of Imperial Teen, Sister Double Happiness and The Wrecks talks about her time drumming with the (SF) Dicks in this chapter excerpt from ‘Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming.’
Curt Weiss, author of ‘Stranded in the Jungle: Jerry Nolan’s Wild Ride,’ shares his five favorite New York Dolls songs.
Carolina Hidalgo, co-host of the No Dogs in Space music history podcast, shares her five favorite funny punk musicians.
Singer/songwriter and writer Mo Troper shares his five favorite albums from Portland, Oregon.
Ken Layne, host of ‘Desert Oracle’ radio, shares five of his favorite desert albums.
Black Sabbitch bassist Melanie Makaiwi shares her five favorite Black Sabbath songs to perform live.
‘Beatles 100’ author John M. Borack shares his Top 5 favorite moments from ‘The Beatles: Get Back’
Peter Gill, front man for Philadelphia’s 2nd Grade, shares his Top 5 favorite power pop albums.
Parry Gripp shares his Top 5 Favorite Weird Al Yankovic songs.
Uncomfortable truths from Bob Mehr’s Replacements biography, ‘Trouble Boys,’ have created a sort of cognitive dissonance for some fans of a certain age.
Artist, cartoonist and drummer Brian Walsby shares his Top 5 favorite punk drummers.