The Useless Critic 2.0

 It's truly the little things in life that make a world of difference. And for me, that means my summer playlist! Behold, I have put together 2022's edition. It includes cuts from artists like: - Mitski - Uffie - Johnny Orlando - Kylie Minogue + Jessie Ware - Florence and the Machine (who put out a fantastic album this year after a long dry spell of kind of "meh" records. Her pairing with Jack Antonoff worked out quite well!)  - Bilal - Harry Styles (he has some catchy music!)  - KATE BUSH DUH - And of course, Lana. It's also available on Apple Music, but since I recognize a lot of folks use Spotify, here's that link. Enjoy!

Most of you know that I adore Gwen Stefani. I have most of my life! Even at the end of the day while I stand bewildered by her current choices, I still very much am a fan. Perhaps not as fervently as I once was; I think that time might be over. I think my Twitter bio has been updated to reflect this sentiment.  The last year has been ... trying for us OG Gwen/No Doubt fans. A lot of us fell in love with her because she was punk lite, the quirky girl next door who was kind of a badass but also kind of a dork. She was sweet but she was powerful. And as she got older, she became more of a badass, more defined in her own confidence. Remember "Rock Steady" era Gwen or when she dueted with Eve? Fuck yes, for lack of a better term.  But somewhere in the past year she has gone into soccer mom on steroids mode. And I mean, at first I was like, whatever. I should be supportive, you know? Okay, so maybe "This Is What the Truth Feels Like" wasn't the best album ever, bu...

Here it is, the lead single from Kylie Minogue's forthcoming 12th studio album, Kiss Me Once , which is set for release in March. On first listen, I found the song a bit underwhelming. Well, her two last studio albums, X and Aphrodite , are awesome, so hopefully her next album will follow suit. Now, for old time's sake...

Whenever I have the energy and/or patience, I will be doing these features where I discuss a band/musician who has left an impact on me. You are welcome to contribute as well! theuselesscritic@gmail.com . Saint Etienne It took me several long years to warm up the retro pop sounds that define Saint Etienne. The music this band has made since the early '90s has been nothing but lush and intoxicating. Even Norwegian pop star Annie has claimed the three-piece band as a huge inspiration for her sound; Lush and Kylie Minogue have similar stories to share. Saint Etienne is not a band extremely popular in the United States. I don't know if they ever really have been. On the indie circuit, yeah, sure. But pretty much everyone- music snob or not- knows Goldfrapp, for example. Saint Etienne? Not so much. When you're really into music, you'll come across Saint Etienne eventually. I heard them the first time when I was in high school. And they didn't make much of ...

Just keepin' it classy Ellie Goulding, "Figure 8" 2012 was definitely Ellie's year. I can't get over "Figure 8's" epic, bombastic chorus, I just wish I could inject it directly into my blood. Who knew dubstep could sound this good? Azealia Banks, "Liquorice" Despite her apparent attitude issues , Azealia is one of my favorite new artists this year. Her music is so fresh, I'm loving the throwback to early-'90s house music and R&B that's been going on lately. Of all the great jams she has put out, "Liquorice" is my anthem to sassitude. As some of you must know by now, it was reported a couple of months ago that Azealia and Lady fucking Gaga recorded two tracks for Gaga's upcoming ARTPOP album! Sleigh Bells, "Comeback Kid" This song and Alexis Krauss are the very epitome of badassery. I want her clothes so bad, especially the studded leather jacket. Little Boots, "Every Ni...

Song of the day: Emiliana Torrini wrote this!

Diggin' the Debbie Harry-style do Little Boots is back for good! After releasing the club bangers "Shake" and "I Wish" in late 2011, the English electropop goddess has released yet another gem, "Every Night I Say A Prayer", a Moroder-esque synth-disco number showcasing a sleek, more mature production, along with Boots' coyly seductive vocals which easily recall Kylie Minogue (a major influence on Boots' work). With chanting diva hook-lines and pristine synths, the song – a collaboration with Andy Butler of New York underground disco group Hercules and Love Affair – is best suited for late-night lounging at some upscale club in Europe. SO DAMN PRETTY. Notice the Flo and Karen O posters behind her! Best of all, the track is available as a free download on Boots' official SoundCloud page. Yes, you heard me – IT'S FREE!! What you waiting for?? Personally, I prefer the remix by German DJ Tensnake, which ups the tempo to reveal a...

Do you like adorably Scandinavian things?? Maybe you're like me and that easy to satisfy. Oh Land is the current discovery that has me fapping at the knees. She's catchy as an STD and cute as a polar bear cub. She hails from Denmark, lives in Brooklyn, because she is a hipster (as I am, because I live in ~Millcreek~). her single "Sun of a Gun"- which reminds me a lot of say Goldfrapp or Moloko- is really making a splash here. But my personal favorite is "Rainbow" although "White Nights" is fun, too. she's opening for Scissor Sisters, tourin' a lot of places and doing a signing in NYC next week! UGH! I WISH I COULD GO! recommended: if you like ANNIE or KYLIE

There are so many good tours hitting the area when I'm not here. Jamie Lidell will be in Cleveland, Jenny and Johnny will be at Beachland ... I would love to see J. Lidell live. Unlike Scissor Sisters who think they are just too damn good for this area, he's making an appearance! gah. oh well. I won't be around. Sea Wolf and Ra Ra Riot will both be in Pittsburgh, though. thank god. relatively cheap too. there are times I feel like I should be listening to RRR, but then I realize Vampire Weekend exists, so I don't. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Matt and Kim and Efterklang I will also miss. DAMN Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are playing a free show at the Rock Hall in August, as are Deer Tick. go see 'em if you are in the area- that's a really great opportunity. for FREE. ---- new music that is absolutely fantastic/amazing: - KYLIE, HOLY CRAP. can she ever do any wrong? probably not. I wish she was more popular here in the States. that woman is class (ev...