Words of Wisdom

The ’80s Music Scene? Mark ‘Weissguy’ Weiss Was There, With His Camera

Go to absolutely any of the near-400 pages of The Decade That Rocked —the new coffee-table-worthy collection—and you’re sure to find one of the most…

Liza Lentini / December 8, 2020

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Credit: Scott Streble

Farm Aid at 35

In July 1985, Bob Dylan stood on stage at Live Aid and suggested a concert just for America’s farmers. Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John…

Liza Lentini / December 7, 2020

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Credit: Ross Marino/Icon and Image/Getty Images

The 35 Best Albums of the Last 35 Years

Let’s face it: With most "Best Albums" lists, you know the broad strokes of the ranking before you even click. Part of that…

SPIN Staff / December 6, 2020

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Credit: VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

The 35 Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years, Picked by 35 Well-Known Artists

For a band to "make it," it takes a lot of luck, timing, and in some cases, a village. Even then, success isn’t guaranteed. On…

SPIN Staff / December 6, 2020

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Credit: Courtesy of Micheal Somersel

Birthday Boy

When Micheal Somersel was 8 years old, his Brooklyn, NY birthplace led the city in murders; 125 killed within the 75th police precinct.

Katherine Turman / December 6, 2020

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Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

Krist Novoselic on the Lasting Impact of Nirvana

For many, Nirvana were the voice of Generation X. And with good reason. Kurt Cobain’s lyrics reflected elements of alienation and angst of the post-Boomer…

Daniel Kohn / December 6, 2020

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Credit: Paul Bergen/Redferns

The Most Influential Artists: #1 Nirvana

As part of our 35th anniversary, we’re naming the most influential artists of the past 35 years. Today, we’ve finally reached the top spot. From…

Daniel Kohn / December 6, 2020

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Credit: SHEISAPHRODITE

Australia’s Dark Pop Princess

"They say you’re always chasing it, and realistically I don’t think I'm ever gonna be like ‘I made it.’ When I can nail the balance…

Mary Gibson / December 5, 2020

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Credit: Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Most Influential Artists: #2 Prince

As part of our 35th anniversary, we’re naming the most influential artists of the past 35 years. Today, we’re at #2. From Minneapolis, Minnesota, here…

Nate Jackson / December 5, 2020

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Credit: Alexa Viscius

Laura Jane Grace on Staying Alive and Staring Into the Abyss

There are a number of pre-pandemic luxuries that Laura Jane Grace misses during these precarious times. But the glaring absence of live shows – and…

Gen Handley / December 4, 2020

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Credit: Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images

The Most Influential Artists: #3 Madonna

As part of our 35th anniversary, we’re naming the most influential artists of the past 35 years. Today, we’re at #3. From Bay City, Michigan,…

Bianca Gracie / December 4, 2020

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Credit: Tom Pallant

YUNGBLUD: ‘I Wrote an Album for the Weirdest Years of Our Lives’

Dominic Harrison may be known as YUNGBLUD, but YUNGBLUD isn’t Dominic Harrison. For him, YUNGBLUD is more than just his identity. "YUNGBLUD is whatever you…

Taylor Mandel / December 3, 2020

Features

Credit: Ben Blackwell

The White Stripes’ Archivist Ben Blackwell Reveals the Stories Behind Their Greatest Hits

If anyone knows the White Stripes, it's Ben Blackwell. The Third Man Records co-owner/co-founder, and proclaimed lover of all things Archer Record Pressing, has been…

Daniel Kohn / December 3, 2020

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