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The demise of one column, the birth of another. Plus, an exclusive free download of a strange and beautiful song by a soon-to-be star.
By Thomas Bartlett
February 2, 2005
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A brilliant remix of 2004's best hip-hop album, drunken elation from a Macedonian brass band and an intriguing tune from a latter-day U2 -- free.
By Thomas Bartlett
January 12, 2005
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The year ahead promises records from Beck, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, even Paris Hilton. Plus: Free music from Marianne Faithfull, Iggy Pop and more.
By Thomas Bartlett
January 5, 2005
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Christmas music that doesn't stink from the Silent League and Rickie Lee Jones. Plus: The best source for free, legal mp3s.
By Thomas Bartlett
December 22, 2004
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The best music of the year included some likely suspects (Tom Waits, Madvillain), some underrated greats (Cee-lo), and yes, even a little Britney. Plus: The year's 25 finest free downloads.
By Thomas Bartlett
December 15, 2004
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Band Aid proves it's still clueless after all these years. Plus: Kiev's hottest rap riff and three songs from one of the year's best albums -- free.
By Thomas Bartlett
December 8, 2004
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Am I the only critic in the universe who doesn't love Brian Wilson's "Smile"? Plus: Free music for jazz fans, Saturday Looks Good to Me admirers and Christmas-song haters.
By Thomas Bartlett
December 1, 2004
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Is the new U2 record worth buying -- or should you just download two or three tracks? Plus, new free songs: The Unicorns, Scout Niblett and a Pixies classic.
By Thomas Bartlett
November 24, 2004
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The incomparable Keith Jarrett Trio finds its way online. Plus: Live music from Wilco, a beautiful composition from Nick Drake, and songs from the forgotten and "quirky" -- free.
By Thomas Bartlett
November 17, 2004
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Postal Service, the band that stood up to the USPS, delivers music that justifies its fame. Plus: Free downloads from indie idol Neko Case, hipster favorite Vashti Bunyan and more.
By Thomas Bartlett
November 10, 2004
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Let us now praise Blonde Redhead and CocoRosie. Plus: Music that's like "liquid ravioli," and free downloads galore from Pavement and more.
By Thomas Bartlett
November 3, 2004
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The most important protest song of this election, courtesy of Eminem. Plus: Free new music from Tom Waits and the Pixies' Frank Black.
By Thomas Bartlett
October 27, 2004
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Minnie Driver's new album is deadly dull, but that doesn't mean it won't be a smashing success. Plus: A moment of pop unity from Nelly and Tim McGraw, and free downloads from "the next Most Important Band in Rock" and Elliott Smith's final album.
By Thomas Bartlett
September 29, 2004
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The disappointing brilliance of Bjork; pleasure, pain and exclusive free downloads from Diamanda Galas; and a great song from the most hyped band of the moment.
By Thomas Bartlett
September 22, 2004
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An exclusive free download "Lord of the Rings" fans will love. Plus: New music from a Norah Jones precursor and an upbeat rocker from former Replacements frontman Paul Westerberg.
By Thomas Bartlett
September 15, 2004
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The "song of the year" from a "redheaded love object"? Plus: Nonsensical piano doodles from John Cale and climactic music from a Japanese instrumental rock band -- free!
By Thomas Bartlett
September 8, 2004
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Where are the new Marleys and Lennons?o?= Download the 25 best protest anthems today -- for free -- including several exclusive to Salon from Rickie Lee Jones, Xiu Xiu, Yuka Honda and more.
By Thomas Bartlett
September 1, 2004
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Exclusive free download: A new song by a member of the legendary Staples Singers. Plus: More from the musician who has inspired the most appreciative e-mail in the history of this column.
By Thomas Bartlett
August 25, 2004
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Free music from the next Suzanne Vega and from a European cult figure that every Beck fan should know about. Plus: What's wrong with borrowing a soul vocal trick or two from Kanye West, anyway?
By Thomas Bartlett
August 18, 2004
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Two exclusive free downloads from two of the year's most acclaimed records -- and don't take my word for it. Plus: A blissful, b-side Bjork.
By Thomas Bartlett
August 11, 2004
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The Fiona Apple album Sony isn't letting you hear, William Shatner's inept poetry-slam version of Pulp's brilliant "Common People" -- and free downloads from Badly Drawn Boy, Spoon and more!
By Thomas Bartlett
August 4, 2004
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The best -- (nearly) legal -- MP3 blogs out there. Plus: An exclusive free download of an "eccentric soul" song from the '70s you've probably never heard of -- but definitely should have!
By Thomas Bartlett
July 28, 2004
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Thumb-wrestling my way through a concert by the once great Elvis Costello. Plus: Edward Norton's favorite band, and free music from John "The Breakfast Club" Hughes' son.
By Thomas Bartlett
July 21, 2004
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New music from Rufus Wainwright and his little sister, Martha. Plus: A free post-"Grey Album" remix from Danger Mouse.
By Thomas Bartlett
July 14, 2004
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Fantasia is no Aretha, no matter how well she charts; Jeff Tweedy's guitar steals the show on Wilco's new album. Plus: A free download from the world's only great Mormon band.
By Thomas Bartlett
July 7, 2004
Buh-bye, WMD. Hello ...?
Turn da music up!
Flash-forward 2005
Holiday cheer
Checking it twice
What do they know?
Nothing to smile about
Some you can leave behind
Happy surprises
Why give up?
Good trill hunting
Let them wash over you
Grab your nyckelharpa!
It's a hit!
Crank the volume
Stars of tomorrow ... and beyond
Never meta girl like you before
Free soul
Fallen angel
Latter-day singers
Glenn Greenwald
War Room
Broadsheet