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:
- Apple wants to acquire Beats by Dre. Tyrese Gibson is psyched.
- Some Twitter user possesses an actual copy of The Smiths’ 1986 tour rider. Sample required food item: “Selection of nuts from dressing room.”
- Annie Clark created her own signature coffee. She also assembled an eclectic mixtape for FACT.
- Tommy Lee is playing on the next “Smashing Pumpkins” record.
- Jimmy Page and Puff Daddy –– yes, he changed it back –– received honorary degrees.
- NPR is streaming Conor Oberst’s new album “Upside Down Mountain” (Nonesuch).
ALBUM RELEASES, MAY 13:
The Black Keys, “Turn Blue” (Nonesuch). Listen.
Blondie, “Ghosts Of Download” (Eleven Seven Music). Listen.
Guided by Voices, “Cool Planet” (Guided by Voices, Inc.).
Michael Jackson, “Xscape” (MJJ).
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, “Days of Abandon” (Yebo). Listen.
STUFF & THINGS:
- Grantland published a track-by-track recap of Weezer’s self-titled debut album (a.k.a., “The Blue Album”).
- Sasha Frere-Jones and Chris Molanphy discussed the relevancy of Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs.
- John Jeremiah Sullivan wrote a fantastic piece about forgotten musical geniuses Elvie Thomas and Geeshie Wiley.
