MusicFreaks

Category: Rock

  • Listen to The Rolling Stones’ rollicking new song ‘Divine Intervention’ – featuring The Cure’s Robert Smith – and soulful single ‘Jealous Lover’

    The Rolling Stones are back, and they aren’t just bringing back the blues—they’re mixing old-school grit with startling new collaborations. The band has dropped fresh previews from their forthcoming 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, offering listeners a taste of the eclectic and adventurous sound they are crafting.

    The latest singles, including the rollicking rock tune Divine Intervention and the soulful ballad Jealous Lover, highlight the band’s willingness to explore musical boundaries. A standout track, Divine Intervention, features a high-tempo rock energy with guitarist Robert Smith on electric guitar and piano/organ work from Steve Winwood.

    The creative partnership driving this new material is just as fascinating as the music itself. The album is bolstered by contributions from talent such as the Cure frontman Robert Smith, alongside legendary figures like Paul McCartney and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, promising a rich tapestry of influences on the record.

    Behind the scenes, the collaborative spirit extends beyond the studio walls. Mick Jagger recently shared an amusing anecdote about working with Robert Smith, recalling a moment where Smith appeared covered in lipstick during a session—a reminder that musical partnerships often start with unexpected encounters and open doors for unique sounds.

    Meanwhile, the soulful track Jealous Lover showcases Mick Jagger delivering a captivating falsetto lead vocal over a slick yet soulful R&B groove. The song has found visual life through an official music video starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Charles Melton, showcasing a modern, cinematic spin on the classic feel.

    The accompanying video, directed by Chris Barrett & Luke Taylor, is currently available for streaming and tells a compelling story, further cementing the track’s mood. You can watch it here:

    The forthcoming album, Foreign Tongues, promises to be a deep dive into the band’s diverse musical range. It will include previously released singles like Rough And Twisted and In The Stars, alongside a cover of Amy Winehouse’s classic “You Know I’m No Good.” The project also features the input of the group’s late drummer, Charlie Watts.

    Adding another layer to the creative process, the band has launched a new official podcast series called Speaking In Tongues. This six-episode series offers fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of Foreign Tongues, featuring key figures including Robert Smith, Andrew Watt, and others.

    The band’s ongoing momentum is palpable. While recent touring plans were adjusted, Mick Jagger remains eager to be on the road, and Keith Richards is hinting at future dates, suggesting that the creative energy from their recent work is fueling an exciting new chapter for the Stones.

    Credit: NME

  • Soundtrack Of My Life: Jason Momoa

    The Soundtrack of a Life: How Music Shaped Everything

    We all carry a collection of sounds that define us, moments that hit us with pure, unfiltered emotion and embed themselves deep into our memory. For me, my musical journey wasn’t just about listening to songs; it was about experiencing them—the first time we heard them, the moment they became essential, and how they soundtracked life’s biggest milestones.

    The journey began with simple, foundational sounds. I remember purchasing my first albums with my own money, a mix of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus’s Sailing The Seas Of Cheese. These were the gateways to discovering new worlds, often found in unexpected places, like the Eat Concrete skate park in Omaha.

    Before diving into rock, the foundation was laid by classic sounds. My upbringing was steeped in the oldies, listening to stations like KIOA, where classics from Elvis Presley, Motown, The Temptations, and The Four Tops were always on the air. These timeless rhythms provided a rich backdrop for everything that followed.

    The path inevitably led toward live music. I recall the electrifying experience of attending the George Thorogood & The Destroyers show at the Iowa State Fair in 1985. Growing up with blues-infused music, hearing artists like Thorogood and Janis Joplin played at home gave me a taste for raw, visceral energy.

    But some songs hit differently than others. There are tracks that act as emotional anchors. One song that instantly brings tears is Tom Waits’ Day After Tomorrow. It possesses a unique ability to unlock profound sadness, making moments of reflection feel instantly palpable.

    As I continued exploring, so did my tastes for artistry. Discovering Ani DiFranco blew my mind. She wasn’t just an artist; she was a phenomenal poet and the original independent voice who sold records out of her car. If Tom Waits is my musical god, Ani DiFranco is undeniably my goddess.

    The influence of visual art also shaped my ears. Julian Schnabel’s biopic of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Basquiat (1996), opened up a whole new aesthetic landscape. The music from that soundtrack, featuring artists like Tom Waits and The Pogues, became deeply intertwined with the creative spark I was experiencing.

    The road continued to lead into unforgettable anthems. The energy of The Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York felt like a perfect distillation of feeling, a piece of history wrapped in a festive spirit that resonates year-round. For dancing, Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Could You Be Loved brought infectious joy and weight to every step.

    Even the soundtrack to a movie can leave an indelible mark. The intense soundscape of the Soundtrack Of My Life: Jason Momoa film, featuring artists like The Pogues and Tom Waits, deepened my appreciation for how music constructs narrative.

    The sheer power of heavy rock also left its mark. For a cinematic project, I created a playlist for my character in the Supergirl trailer that was pure, distilled energy. It featured a powerhouse mix including Motörhead’s Ace Of Spades, along with tracks from Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, Pantera, and the atmosphere of Tool.

    And then there are the deeply personal tracks—songs that simply stick. From Eazy-E’s Real Muthaphuckkin G’s to the celebratory feel of The Pogues’ work, music has always provided the soundtrack to my most intense moments, marking the way through life’s unforgettable chapters.

    Credit: NME

  • ‘Connections’ answers and hints for today, June 26

    The daily mental marathon provided by the New York Times Connections game is often touted as one of the trickiest puzzles online. For newcomers, the objective is simple: divide sixteen seemingly random words into four distinct, coherent themes. While some groupings—like identifying different types of fish—are straightforward, others demand a true leap of logic.

    This week’s challenge, dated June 26th, offered a perfect example of how deceptively tricky these puzzles can be. You might encounter words that seem connected through biology or physical objects, only to realize the connection is entirely abstract. The key to unlocking Connections isn’t just knowing the definitions; it’s about looking for subtle patterns and thinking wildly outside the typical box.

    Some days are fiendishly difficult, demanding lateral thinking to connect things that seem utterly unrelated. To help navigate this labyrinth of words, we dive into the set for today and reveal the ingenious groupings that make up June 26th’s puzzle.

    The Pieces of the Puzzle

    We started with sixteen words floating around: TANG, CHIP, BOARD, PINKY, DALE, REDO, SPLINTER, NUT, HOLLOW, TREE, GORGE, BRONZER, CRACKER, DELL, LOG, and PRETZEL. The challenge lay in finding the four hidden categories that tied these items together.

    Unlocking the Themes

    After some focused brainstorming, we discovered that the connections were hiding in plain sight. There were four distinct groups waiting to be uncovered:

    The Crunchy Snack Squad: This group pulled together all the items perfect for a satisfying crunch—chip, cracker, nut, and pretzel.

    Lumbering Landscapes: Next up was a collection focused on various forms of wood and related terms, including board, log, splinter, and tree.

    Depressions in the Earth: Three words pointed toward low-lying areas, describing natural hollows and low ground: dale, dell, gorge, and hollow.

    Letters with a Twist: Finally, we found the group that required a bit of wordplay. These words were all names or references to colors, subtly modified by adding an extra letter: bronzer, pinky, redo, and tang.

    It turns out that every word had a role to play. By shifting perspective from the literal meaning to the abstract possibilities, we transformed sixteen random items into four neat, satisfying thematic groups. Keep your eyes open for those subtle connections in your next puzzle!

    Credit: NME

  • Globle answer today – here’s the answer and hints for June 26

    Navigate the Globe: Dive into the Mind-Bending World of Globle

    Tired of the same old guessing games? Prepare your brain for a geographical adventure where knowledge is the ultimate weapon. Enter the world of Globle, a captivating game that puts geography enthusiasts to the ultimate test, challenging players to guess the selected country of the day.

    Much like its famous cousin, Wordle, Globle offers an unlimited number of guesses, meaning the only limit is your own intellectual stamina. For those who love a good challenge, this daily puzzle turns simple trivia into a thrilling expedition across the world.

    How to Master the Map

    Playing Globle is simple enough to start, but mastering its nuances requires some strategic thinking. Players begin by entering the name of any country they choose. The game then responds with a color match that reveals how close or far away their guess is from the correct answer. The deeper the color shade, the closer you are to success.

    To climb the color ladder effectively, seasoned players employ clever tactics. One highly recommended strategy involves selecting larger countries that share borders with others; this allows players to efficiently clear large sections of the global map. Furthermore, varying your guesses across different continents helps eliminate possibilities quickly, narrowing down the potential locations dramatically.

    Globle. Credit: The Abe Train

    Today’s Geographical Challenge

    Every day brings a fresh puzzle. For June 26th, players were given specific hints to guide them toward this day’s answer, setting the stage for a truly satisfying reveal.

    The initial clues pointed players toward a specific region: the country is located in Central Asia and begins with the letter ‘K’. These geographical boundaries immediately focus attention on a region rich with historical and cultural depth.

    The final, crucial hint sealed the fate of the day’s puzzle: the country’s capital is Bishkek. With these pointers locked in place, the answer became clear for those who followed the trail:

    Today’s Globle answer is Kyrgyzstan. This geographical gem was the correct answer for June 26th, and a new puzzle awaits tomorrow.

    For those who missed today’s destination but want to sharpen their skills, the archive offers a wealth of previous answers, including fascinating countries such as Congo, Laos, and The Bahamas. The adventure continues daily, proving that global geography is the most exciting game of all.

    Buy on Amazon

    Credit: NME

  • Framed answer today – here’s the solution for June 26

    In the age of endless scrolling and quick digital puzzles, a new kind of mental workout is taking center stage: browser-based cinematic guessing games. Step into the world of Framed”>Framed, a captivating experience that puts players in the seat of movie detectives, challenging them to identify famous films using only limited visual clues.

    Inspired by popular word puzzles, Framed”>Framed flips the script. Instead of letters, players are presented with individual stills, or frames, from a constantly changing roster of movies. The challenge is simple yet engaging: use the visual hints to deduce the correct title within just six guesses.

    Each frame offers a tantalizing piece of context. Some images might burst with immediate action, while others demand a deeper dive into trivia and cinematic history. With every incorrect guess, a new still is revealed, hopefully providing the crucial missing context needed to crack the mystery.

    The game harnesses that suspense brilliantly. You are constantly battling the urge to guess wildly while simultaneously analyzing the visual evidence presented in each frame, trying to piece together the narrative before the timer runs out.

    How the Game Works

    Getting started with Framed”>Framed is straightforward. Simply navigate to framed.wtf in your preferred browser. Here, you examine today’s featured still and make your best guess. If you are incorrect, fear not—you have five more opportunities, each unveiling a fresh frame that might hold the key to the correct movie title.

    Today’s Cinematic Challenge

    For today’s puzzle on June 26th, players were tasked with identifying a specific American action drama. The clues pointed toward a classic from the golden age of cinema:

    • Released in 1986
    • Directed by Tony Scott
    • Featuring stars Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and Meg Ryan

    The solution to today’s puzzle is Framed”>Top Gun. It’s a perfect example of how a few key details can unlock a recognizable classic.

    The excitement doesn’t stop there. Fans often enjoy revisiting past challenges to test their knowledge and see where they stand in the cinematic arena. Recent successful guesses by players have included titles like Framed”>Tangled, Framed”>Hacksaw Ridge, Framed”>The Pink Panther, and even timeless choices like Framed”>Gravity and Framed”>Notting Hill.

    Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just looking for a fun distraction, Framed”>Framed offers a fresh, interactive way to enjoy movies. Keep your eyes on the screen—the next frame could reveal your next cinematic triumph!

    Credit: NME

  • Phoebe Bridgers Heads To The Faire

    Less than thirty-six hours after announcing her long-awaited fourth album, Lost Weekend, Phoebe Bridgers delivered another delightful glimpse into the upcoming release with the new single “Lost Boys.”

    The song is accompanied by a delightfully surreal video that plunges viewers into a Renaissance faire theme. Directed by Lance Oppenheim and Pablo Rochat, the visual narrative features Bridgers and a cast of costumed participants fully immersed in live-action role play alongside the Knights of Debracey Productions. This visual world continues the offbeat aesthetic introduced during the album announcement.

    Adding an intriguing layer to the visuals, Oppenheim is not new to the themed realm, having previously directed a 2024 HBO documentary exploring Renaissance faire culture in Ren Faire.

    The lyrics of “Lost Boys” offer evocative imagery, weaving together themes of enduring hardship and found solace. Bridgers sings about lost boys who never grow up or go home, finding her place amid a setting that suggests instant forgiveness: “Lost boys never grow up / never go home / Lost boys never spend their lunch money / lost boys never grow up, never get old / lost boys find me.”

    This new material arrives with the weight of anticipation, marking Bridgers’ first solo album since Punisher in 2020. It follows a period filled with dynamic collaborations, soundtrack work, and balancing projects like boygenius.

    Lost Weekend is clearly an expansive artistic statement, boasting an impressive roster of collaborators across the board. The production of “Lost Boys” was handled by Bridgers alongside longtime partners Tony Berg and Ethan Gruska, with Jack Antonoff sharing duties, and Alex G contributing to the soundscape.

    The track itself is a rich tapestry of talent, featuring vocal contributions from Bridgers joined by boygenius bandmates Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker. The instrumentation showcases incredible virtuosity, with Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers legend Chris Thile adding mandolin, while Sebastian Steinberg contributes upright bass and Rob Moose handles the string arrangements.

    The ensemble further features Caroline Shaw for vocal arrangements and harmonies, alongside instrumentalists including Blake Mills, Christian Lee Hutson, Marshall Vore, and Nate Walcott. The rhythm section is driven by Antonoff on drums, guitar, synths, and vocoder, with Alex G lending his drumming skills and a charming voice memo.

    Looking ahead, Bridgers will support Lost Weekend on the aptly named The Lost Tour. The journey begins on September 15th in Indianapolis before winding through North America and eventually reaching the U.K. and Europe later this year.

    Credit: Spin

  • JAŸ-Z, Rick Rubin Pair For HBO Documentary

    The legendary creative duo of Rick Rubin and Jay-Z are taking us on a reflective journey, revisiting their profound partnership in an upcoming HBO documentary series titled JAŸ-Z in 8. The streamer recently unveiled the first teaser for the eight-part project, promising an intimate look at the life, music, and creative philosophy that forged one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

    This new project promises more than just a retrospective; it is a deep dive into the years-in-the-making conversations between the producer Rubin and rapper Shawn Carter. Viewers will get a front-row seat to unpacking his music, lyrics, life experiences, and the intricate creative process that shaped his iconic sound.

    The teaser hints at the deeply reflective tone of the series, focusing particularly on JAŸ-Z’s role as a narrator for his generation’s collective experiences. The conversation touches on the essential tension between pain and purpose in the pursuit of art.

    “Everyone had the same experience, except I was the one that could stand on the soapbox and, like, articulate what we were going through,” JAŸ-Z shared in the preview. Rick Rubin responded with a powerful perspective: “Without the pain, you wouldn’t have done the work.” The exchange captures the essence of artistic struggle—acknowledging that difficulty is not merely something to endure but a tool to be leveraged.

    This dynamic mirrors their history. Rubin famously co-produced “99 Problems” for JAŸ-Z’s blockbuster The Black Album, injecting his stripped-down, rock-infused minimalist style into what was then billed as the rapper’s statement of retirement. One of Rubin’s most legendary contributions came when he suggested that JAŸ-Z begin the song entirely a cappella with its now-iconic hook before the drums crashed in—a pivotal decision that helped define one of hip-hop’s most recognizable openings.

    Their creative chemistry has been explored previously, notably in the 2004 documentary Fade to Black, which offered fans a rare glimpse into the dynamic between the producer and artist during the sessions for The Black Album.

    JAŸ-Z in 8 is a project built on collaborative brilliance, executive produced by Carter, Daniel Kaluuya, and Rubin, with Leila Mattimore and David Rohde serving as producers. The series aims to pull back the curtain on the mythology behind their success.

    The news arrives amid JAŸ-Z’s current return to the live stage following his 4.44 Tour in 2017. The artist is currently engaging with audiences, having headlined events like the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia and planning further shows across the country.

    Credit: Spin

  • How Violet Grohl Unearthed A Squirrel Bait Classic

    The echoes of the 1980s punk scene often linger in unexpected places, proving that some foundational sounds possess a durability far beyond their initial context. This is the story of Squirrel Bait and how a forgotten group from Louisville managed to ripple through generations of musicians, shaping sonic landscapes long after their heyday.

    The connection between this obscure band and contemporary music is more profound than most realize. Recently, Violet Grohl and her band brought the impact of Squirrel Bait‘s influential track “Sun God” to New York’s Pier 17. While this moment might seem niche to casual listeners, it highlights a fascinating chain of influence that connects underground rock history to modern artistry.

    The lineage is rich with history. Violet Grohl’s father, Dave Grohl, has long championed Squirrel Bait as one of his most formative underground influences. This deep-seated appreciation extends across decades, even finding nods in major acts; Peter Searcy, the band’s vocalist, shared the track with Dave Grohl during a Foo Fighters performance in Birmingham, Alabama, thirty years after Squirrel Bait disbanded.

    Beyond those famous moments, Squirrel Bait’s influence became foundational for numerous subsequent musical outfits. Members of the band went on to form groups like Slint, Gastr Del Sol, Bastro, Papa M, and the For Carnation, transforming their Reagan-era aggression into more esoteric and complex sonic explorations.

    This lineage is clearly feeding into the current generation of artists. Violet herself noted that Squirrel Bait was among her favorite, criminally underrated bands, and their sound was circulating among her peers while she was developing her own guitar-heavy debut. This connection became a subtle thread in the fabric of modern indie music.

    The influence is so deep that it touches even those working in avant-garde spaces. Guitarist David Grubbs, a figure who has carved out a career teaching music technology and composition, remains connected to the legacy. He continues to explore this history through collaborations, including work on the album Somewhere in the Wind with Loren Connors.

    The enduring spirit of these underground sounds encourages reflection on how we consume and value music. It prompts questions about nostalgia, performance, and the passage of time. The realization that a band from four decades ago continues to resonate demonstrates the power of authentic, raw musical energy.

    This historical thread reminds us that even seemingly obscure acts leave an indelible mark. They remind us that sometimes the most impactful music doesn’t make it into the mainstream immediately, but quietly filters down, shaping the tastes and creativity of those who follow.

    Credit: Spin

  • Aaron Dessner, Fred again.. Unite At Eaux Claires

    When creativity meets spontaneous sound, the result can be nothing short of magic. That is the kind of energy set to unfold at the upcoming Eaux Claires festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as superstar electronic artist Fred again.. teams up with producer Aaron Dessner.

    This special one-off performance marks a significant moment for Fred again.., as it is his first announced live appearance after taking time away from touring to focus intently on writing new music. The reunion promises to be an immersive experience, blending two distinct creative forces into something unexpected and vibrant.

    Speaking about the planned set, Fred again.. emphasized a philosophy rooted in freedom. He described the performance as an extension of his recent artistic exploration, focusing heavily on improvisation and spontaneity. “I’ve been exploring a lot with live improvisation and playing off of different people in a room, and embracing not knowing what’s going to happen,” he shared. “I think that’s a thing that is becoming increasingly precious to me. So this will be like that I think.”

    The collaboration isn’t just about the immediate performance; it taps into a deeper history between the two artists. Dessner and again.. previously worked together on the ambient project Secret Life in 2023, setting a foundation for this new musical adventure.

    Their connection extends beyond recent projects. Fred again.. recalled that the genesis of their artistic relationship stretched back further than the current collaboration. He remembers being haunted by Dessner’s guitar work on tracks like “Afraid of Everyone” long before they officially teamed up, recognizing them both as giants in the world of live musicianship.

    The shared vision for music and community is evident across their respective worlds. This spirit was central to the creation of Eaux Claires, a festival co-founded by Dessner and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Fred again..‘s presence at this event celebrates a lineage of creative partnership, reflecting a shared appreciation for musical depth and open experimentation.

    For those attending, the promise is a weekend filled with unscripted brilliance—a chance to witness two monumental artists embrace the beautiful chaos of live creation.

    Credit: Spin

  • Gorillaz’s ‘House Of Kong’ Is Brooklyn-Bound

    Get ready to step into a world where reality bends and imagination reigns supreme. Following successful runs in London and Los Angeles, the legendary Gorillaz are preparing to bring their sprawling immersive exhibition, House of Kong, to Brooklyn—just weeks before they return to New York for a headline performance at Madison Square Garden.

    This isn’t just an art show; it’s an invitation into the band’s richly developed virtual universe. The experience will take over Brooklyn’s Agger Fish Building from September 1st to the 28th, offering fans a deep dive into the aesthetic and musical journey of the group.

    House of Kong is far more than a simple retrospective. Described as an audio-visual artwork and installation, it traces the unlikely rise of Gorillaz’ animated members—Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle—through more than two decades of boundary-pushing music, visual art, and virtual-world building.

    The exhibition meticulously explores the history of the band’s creations, starting from their debut single “Tomorrow Comes Today” in 2000 and delving into the evolution of their creative output. It’s an experience that takes a glance backward to reveal the exciting path ahead.

    Creative director Stephen Gallagher, who worked closely with the Gorillaz camp for nearly a decade, emphasizes this artistic vision. “House of Kong is not a retrospective — it’s an audio-visual artwork; an installation that takes a glance backwards in order to identify the path ahead,” he explains.

    Gallagher shared his passion for the project: “It’s an honour to have been part of the Gorillaz family over the last eight years. The outpouring of music and art that I have found myself immersed in has changed my life. This is no ordinary exhibition because in the world of Gorillaz, nothing is ever quite as it seems.”

    The timing is perfectly orchestrated for maximum impact. The Brooklyn installation arrives just ahead of a major moment: Gorillaz’ extensive North American tour kicks off with a 22-date arena run in Orlando, Florida on September 17th, and includes a headline appearance at Atlanta’s Shaky Knees festival.

    This immersive journey sets the stage for the band’s return to New York City. Fans will experience the depth of their virtual existence just before they take the stage at the Madison Square Garden on September 29th, offering a truly complete artistic experience.

    Credit: Spin