Ben Wiser »
Introducing Songwork: A Popdose Mini-Series
Writing a song is easy. You just bang out a chain of chords, always driving to the chorus as fast and as often as possible. Then you throw on some lyrics; nothing fancy, nothing
Read More »Test of the Boomerang: The Grateful Dead, “Crimson, White and Indigo”
The summer of 1989 was when the Grateful Dead got big. I mean really big. The success of 1987′s In the Dark lead to an influx of new fans – kids who grew up
Read More »Rock Court, Small Claims Division: The Grateful Dead v. Fleetwood Mac
All rise. The rules of this courtroom are simple. You will be presented with two songs, one by the plaintiff and one by the defendant. It is your task to decide if the defendant’s
Read More »Alex Chilton Remembered
When Alex Chilton died, it left a gaping hole in the hearts of music fans everywhere. The Popdose staff remembers Chilton's life, music, and legacy
Read More »Test of the Boomerang: Happy Birthday, Phil!
This week in Test of the Boomerang, Ben Wiser wishes a happy 70th birthday to Dead legend Phil Lesh
Read More »Popdose Flashback ’90: Peter Murphy, “Deep”
Twenty years after it was released, Ben Wiser says Peter Murphy's Deep still cuts you up
Read More »The Chronicles of DOOM: Virulence, “If This Isn’t a Dream…1985 – 1989″
By the mid 1980s, many of hardcore’s old guard were outgrowing their three chord attack. A lot of bands found a new identity in the commercially viable crossover of thrash and speed metal. Others
Read More »Test of the Boomerang: Reliving “Relix” — A Chat With Toni Brown
Relix editor Toni Brown discusses her long history with the Grateful Dead -- as well as her own musical career -- in an interview with Ben Wiser
Read More »The Chronicles of DOOM: New Releases — Skullflower and Sigh
Skullflower: Strange Keys to Untune God’s Firmament (Neurot) Strange Keys to Untune God’s Firmament is the latest offering from cult noise band Skullflower – one of several ongoing projects of Matthew Bower. Skullflower’s work
Read More »