Overmono have shared the remix of the Streets’ “Turn the Page” that has been a staple of their live sets since its debut at Lost Village in 2022. Check it out below. The remix will also be released as a 12″ single, via XL.
Tom and Ed Russell released Good Lies, their debut LP as Overmono, last year, followed by a Boiler Room set from Manchester’s Warehouse Project. In February, they teamed up with Fred Again.. and Lil Yachty for the single “Stayinit.” The duo is currently on tour.
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Today, Bang & Olufsen—the audio company that has made what we called “the prettiest gadgets in the world”—is rereleasing its iconic CD player, the Beosound 9000. If you were alive in the 1990s, you definitely saw this CD player standing in a place of honor, six discs and glass lid gleaming, either in your bougiest friend’s home or in the background on an episode of Entourage. Now you can buy it again as a new item from Bang & Olufsen rather than bid for one on eBay.
This is the second project in a series of what the company calls “recreated classics.” Bang & Olufsen sourced 200 original units of the Beosound 9000 and brought them to the company’s factory in Struer, Denmark. There, the Bang & Olufsen team—some of whom worked on the original models—carefully disassembled, cleaned, and repaired each unit. Each was then individually tested and fine-tuned to meet B&O’s audio standards.
To lend it a more modern look, the team inverted the black and aluminum finishes of the original. The new black backplate makes the CDs stand out even more as works of art. But never fear—all the aluminum parts are still from the original Beosound 9000s. The pieces were all brushed, etched, and blasted in Bang & Olufsen’s factory, then re-machined and re-anodized to bring them in line with the looks of the classic player.
The Beosystem 9000c is a complete package.
Photograph: Bang & Olufsen
The dressed-up CD players will only be sold as part of a package that includes a pair of high-end Beolab 28 speakers and a fancy Beoremote. The products are bundled together under the name Beosystem 9000c. Only 200 units are being produced, and each bundle costs $55,000. Even if that price puts it out of reach for most of us, the Beosound 9000’s design is worthy of celebration for what it represents.
What Goes Around
The player’s glass door swings open on a motor so you can change the discs.
Photograph: Bang & Olufsen
The Danish brand has long prioritized product longevity, using high-end materials and keeping durability in mind. Also, its products exude timeless, quirky vibes that you really just can’t get anywhere else. I always think of the Beosound Bluetooth speaker that looks just like a picnic basket, but in 2021 the company also released the Beosound Level, an exceptionally beautiful $2,000 Bluetooth speaker that was designed to be easily repaired; the battery, wood, and cloth elements are all replaceable, giving the speaker a lifespan of decades instead of years.
“The consumer electronics industry is not as resource-efficient as it should be,” says Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, the head of product circularity and portfolio planning at B&O, who I reached over email. By tackling obsolescence through design, he says, his team can “create a movement toward a more long-lasting future, where products serve a purpose after their first useful lifecycle.”
The original Beosound 9000 was designed by David Lewis, a legendary industrial designer whose work is currently showcased in the Museum of Modern Art. The player’s design—with its inner workings on full display and encased in glass—was based on the concept of “audiovisuality,” which is the idea that exposing a music machine’s basic functionality is beautiful.
Of course, these days it’s no big deal to see a clear computer case or a folding phone with an exposed hinge. But back in the 1990s, watching a smooth clamp slide soundlessly between CDs or seeing the Beosound 9000’s motorized glass lid slowly swing open was the height of luxury.
Comes Back Around
Bang & Olufsen’s rerelease also comes at a time of a CD revival. In my twenties, I worked in a record store—which we called a record store, even though we mostly sold CDs. That’s where bands played free daytime shows and did CD signings and where we wandered over to the death metal or African funk listening stations because the country section was too crowded.
That click-click-click of people shuffling through bins of jewel cases is permanently embedded in my brain. A lot of us miss it, even those of us who weren’t old enough at the time to listen to music on compact disc, as evidenced by Gen Z buyers gobbling up long-neglected CD collections.
Byrne wrote on social media, “The band told me that their song ‘Hard Times’ was inspired by Talking Heads, so I learned it and recorded my version of their great song with a horn section. This was fun!”
Acoustic Guitar: Mikey Freedom Hart Associated Performer: Evan Smith, Jack Antonoff, Michael Riddleberger, Mikey Freedom Hart, Taylor Swift, Zem Audu Asst. Recording Engineer: Jack Manning, Jon Sher Background Vocalist: Jack Antonoff Bass: Mikey Freedom Hart Cello: Jack Antonoff Drums: Michael Riddleberger Electric Guitar: Mikey Freedom Hart Hammond B3: Mikey Freedom Hart Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill, Ryan Smith Mix Engineer: Bryce Bordone Mixer: Serban Ghenea Piano: Jack Antonoff, Mikey Freedom Hart Programming: Jack Antonoff Recording Engineer: David Hart, Evan Smith, Laura Sisk, Michael Riddleberger, Mikey Freedom Hart, Oli Jacobs, Sean Hutchinson, Zem Audu Studio Personnel: Bryce Bordone, David Hart, Evan Smith, Jack Manning, Jon Sher, Laura Sisk, Michael Riddleberger, Mikey Freedom Hart, Oli Jacobs, Randy Merrill, Ryan Smith, Sean Hutchinson, Serban Ghenea, Zem Audu Synthesizer: Evan Smith, Jack Antonoff, Zem Audu Vocals: Taylor Swift
03 My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Taylor Swift Lyricist: Taylor Swift
04 Down Bad
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
05 So Long, London
Producer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Composer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift
06 But Daddy I Love Him
Producer: Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift
07 Fresh Out the Slammer
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
08 Florida!!! [ft. Florence and the Machine]
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Florence Welch, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Florence Welch, Taylor Swift
09 Guilty as Sin?
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
10 Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Taylor Swift Lyricist: Taylor Swift
11 I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
12 LOML
Producer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Composer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift
13 I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
14 The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
Producer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Composer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift
15 The Alchemy
Producer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Composer: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift
16 Clara Bow
Producer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Composer: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift Lyricist: Aaron Dessner, Taylor Swift
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In 2022, Tom Skinner of the Smile released the solo album Voices of Bishara. He’s now readying a live album called Voices of Bishara Live at “Mu”. The full-length arrives on May 10, via International Anthem, and features the musician and his ensemble’s performance of the 2022 album’s tracks and more. Below, listen to a live take on Abdul Wadud’s 1970s composition “Oasis.”
Skinner, woodwinds players Robert Stillman and Chelsea Carmichael, cellist Kareem Dayes, and bassist Tom Herbert recorded their new album live at London’s “Mu” in January 2023. The ensemble will perform again at the venue in May.
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Tom Skinner: Voices of Bishara Live at “Mu”
Voices of Bishara Live at “Mu”:
01 Biashara (Live) 02 Red 2 (Live) 03 The Journey (Live) 04 The Day After Tomorrow (Live) 05 Oasis (Live) 06 Camille (Live) 07 Happiness (Live)
Podcasts are to radio as streaming services are to television, and we are lucky enough to be living through the golden age of both. You can find a podcast about almost anything these days, but with great choice comes great mediocrity—you might need a helping hand to find the podcasts worthy of your ear. Our expertly curated list will entertain and educate you, whether you’re doing the dishes, working out, commuting, or lazing in the bath.
Updated April 2024: We added several podcasts, including Ologies, The Food Chain, and Bandsplain, plus a new music section. We’ve also removed links to Google’s recently shuttered podcast app.
Table of Contents
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Best Tech Podcasts
Courtesy of ABC News
The Dropout
Sneak a peek behind the curtain, as this podcast follows the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, the tech startup that promised to disrupt blood testing but disintegrated in the face of whistleblowers, inaccurate results, and fraudulent claims. John Carreyrou’s reporting broke the scandal, and his book Bad Blood also spawned another interesting podcast. But The Dropout is a refreshingly clear recounting of the sordid tale, with season two tackling the trial.
Courtesy of Darknet Diaries
Darknet Diaries
Anyone with an interest in hacking and cybercrime will appreciate this investigative podcast from Jack Rhysider. Densely packed and tightly edited, the show covers topics like Xbox hacking, a Greek wiretapping Vodafone scandal, and the impact of the NotPetya malware. Rhysider skillfully weaves informative narratives to unravel some complex issues and keeps things mostly accessible, though it may occasionally get a little too technical for some folks.
Courtesy of Center for Humane Technology
Your Undivided Attention
Ex-Googler Tristan Harris, whom you may recognize from the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, talks with Aza Raskin about the dangers of living your life online. As cofounders of the Center for Humane Technology, they delve into the ethics of Big Tech, unpack the potential pitfalls, and try to imagine ways to harness technology for the good of humanity.
Courtesy of Dallas Taylor
Twenty Thousand Hertz
Painstakingly researched, this podcast dives deep into the world of sound to explain everything from those sounds you always hear in movie trailers to car engines, choral music, the Netflix intro, and way beyond. Learn how iconic sounds were created, why certain sounds make us feel the way they do, and how sound enriches our lives in myriad ways.
Other Great Tech Podcasts:
WIRED’sGadget Lab: Want to catch up on the week’s top tech news? Listen to our very own podcast hosted by senior writer Lauren Goode and senior editor Michael Calore.
The Lazarus Heist: This captivating investigation starts with the Sony hacks, digs into the involvement of North Korean hackers, and moves on to a billion-dollar cyber theft.
Rabbit Hole: What is the internet doing to us? New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose investigates things like the impact of algorithms on radicalization with a dreamy soundscape backdrop.
Reply All: The beautifully paced, always convivial, and sorely missed Reply All dragged us down internet rabbit holes to investigate long-forgotten songs, phone scammers, hacked Snapchat accounts, and Team Fortress 2 bots.
Click Here: With a focus on cybersecurity, this podcast unravels tales of hacking, misinformation, cyberterrorism, and more, with interviews and insight from experts in episodes that usually come in under half an hour.
Waveform: Laid-back chats about the latest gadgets and developments in the world of tech with Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) and co-host David Imel.
Courtesy of Audible
The Last Days of August
Jon Ronson brings an inquisitive, empathetic, and slightly neurotic intelligence to bear on fascinating and often surprising tales. Following The Butterfly Effect (only on Audible), which delves into the collision of tech with the pornography industry, The Last Days of August investigates the untimely death of porn performer August Ames. All of Ronson’s other podcasts are equally excellent (we recommend Things Fell Apart and So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed), but this is a great place to start.
Courtesy of Apple
Wild Things: Siegfried and Roy
Famous German duo Siegfried and Roy were a mainstay on the Las Vegas show scene and performed about 30,000 times over five decades with an act that included white lions and tigers. When Roy was attacked live on stage, it made headlines everywhere. This podcast unravels their rise to stardom, touches on their controversial handling of wild animals, and digs into what really happened that fateful night.
Courtesy of Pushkin Industries
Revisionist History
In this eclectic mix of quirky stories, Malcolm Gladwell tackles misunderstood events and rarely discussed ideas, veering from subjects like Toyota’s car recall to underhand-throwing basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, and even the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. Gladwell freely mixes research and opinion and enjoys challenging conventional views, but every episode serves up facts and stories you have likely never heard before.
Other Great Society Podcasts:
Dreamtown: The Story of Adelanto: This story of a small California town that turns to cannabis cultivation to try and revive itself soon descends into chaos.
Run Bambi Run: The riveting story of former Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Club bunny Laurie Bembenek, who was convicted of murdering her husband’s ex, despite conflicting evidence, and subsequently escaped prison and fought to have her conviction overturned.
Missing Richard Simmons: Ebullient fitness guru Richard Simmons used to be everywhere, and this podcast charts an investigative reporter’s attempts to find out why he disappeared.
The Moth: This podcast offers random folks the chance to tell deeply personal stories to a crowd of strangers and reinforces just how weird and wonderful humans are.
The Trojan Horse Affair: This tale unpacks the British scandal over an alleged attempt by Islamist extremists to take over a Birmingham school and radicalize its students.
Day X: A sobering look at the neo-Nazi specter in modern-day Germany, its possible infiltration of police and government, and a plan involving a military officer and a faked refugee identity.
Project Unabom: Delving into the life of Ted Kaczynski, this podcast interviews his brother and recounts the FBI investigation to try to make sense of Kaczynski’s terrifying bombing spree.
Will Be Wild: Curious about the January 6 insurrection? This podcast interviews people from both sides, examines the struggles of law enforcement and intelligence under Trump, and charts the anti-government extremism that led to this dark day for democracy.
Courtesy of Imperative Entertainment
The Cost of Happiness: Tony Hsieh
The online shoe store Zappos made Tony Hsieh a billionaire, and this podcast investigates his $350 million investment in the Downtown Project in Las Vegas. His utopian vision of a happy worker village promised to revitalize the depressed heart of Sin City. The experimental community generated much excitement, but the charismatic and eccentric Hsieh soon ran into trouble.
Courtesy of Novel
The Superhero Complex
Part of the way into this investigation of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a real-life group of self-proclaimed superheroes active in Seattle a few years ago, I had to stop listening and check that this wasn’t fiction. The podcast focuses on the arrogant Phoenix Jones, an ex-MMA fighter turned violent vigilante, and his fall from grace. But there is also a fascinating glimpse into the friendlier side of the movement, with some heroes handing out water to homeless folks and helping people in distress.
Courtesy of The LoudSpeakers Network
The Read
Brutally honest comedians with chemistry, Kid Fury and Crissle West recap and review the latest pop culture news and offer their opinions on everything. Insightful, funny, challenging, and refreshingly different from the podcast pack, these sprawling conversations run for a couple of hours, covering recent events and frequently touching on social justice, mental health, race, and sexual identity.
Courtesy of Forever35
Forever35
Like eavesdropping on conversations between relatable besties, Forever35 started as a physical self-care podcast but expanded to discuss mental health, relationships, and any other topic that appeals to LA-based writers Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer. They go from chatting about serums and creams to seasonal affective disorder and how to deal with a new stepmother as an adult—but always in a fun, inclusive, and down-to-earth way.
Other Great Culture Podcasts:
Sounds Like a Cult: Fanatical fringe groups have never been so prevalent, and there’s something more than a little cultish about celebrity stans, multilevel marketing, and marathon runners—just three of the subjects this lighthearted podcast unpacks.
Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard: Now a Spotify exclusive, this often funny and always insightful podcast seeks out human truths and sometimes finds them.
Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy: Ably hosted by author David Barr Kirtley, this sci-fi fantasy extravaganza digs into fascinating topics with the help of accomplished guests like Neil Gaiman, Brent Spiner, and Steven Pinker.
The Allusionist: If you are interested in words, this witty but accessible show will delight you as it charts the evolution of slang, explains euphemisms, and generally celebrates language.
Courtesy of Las Vegas Review Journal
Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas
This fascinating tale, told through interviews with old gangsters, law enforcement, politicians, and journalists, charts the symbiotic rise of organized crime and Las Vegas. The first season recounts the FBI’s attempts to take down the “Hole in the Wall Gang” and reveals the true-life inspiration for movies like Casino. Season two tackles Jimmy Hoffa and the battle to oust the mafia from the Strip’s casinos.
Courtesy of Vox Media
Criminal
Soothing host Phoebe Judge unravels captivating tales with reverence in this polished production about the spectrum of crime. Criminals, victims, lawyers, police, historians, and others whose lives have been altered by crime voice their stories as Judge carefully avoids the sensational and exploitative by respectfully teasing out the heart of each subject.
Courtesy of WBEZ
S-Town
Give this compelling mystery five minutes and you’ll be hooked. The talented host, Brian Reed, investigates a small town in Alabama at the behest of eccentric horologist John B. McLemore, who claims the son of a wealthy family has gotten away with murder. The script, pacing, editing, music—basically everything about this production—are perfect.
Courtesy of Lava For Good
Bone Valley
Painstakingly researched, thoughtfully told, and skillfully produced, this true-crime podcast hosted by Gilbert King focuses on a 1987 Florida murder. After an incompetent police investigation and distinctly dodgy trial, Leo Schofield was convicted of killing his wife. Despite fresh evidence and a confession from someone else, Schofield remains in prison.
Courtesy of Campside
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen
Murder may dominate this genre, but there are other fascinating stories worth telling in the world of crime, like this one, which is about a scammer posing as a Hollywood mogul. This weird, compelling, investigative podcast unwinds a satisfyingly twisty tale that’s mercifully free of blood and violence. The third season, Wild Boys, tells a completely new story, and the fifth tackles hypnotist Dr. Dante.
Other Great True-Crime Podcasts:
Cold: Investigative journalist Dave Cawley investigates missing persons cases, starting with the tragic tale of Susan Powell. Well-researched and respectful, this slow-burn podcast is a must for true crime fans.
The Thing About Pam: Beautifully narrated by Keith Morrison, this podcast is a rollercoaster ride that gets weirder as it goes on. This case inspired a mini-series with Renée Zellweger playing Pam.
Your Own Backyard: This sensitive and meticulous investigation into the disappearance of Kristin Smart from Cal Poly in 1996 uncovered fresh leads for detectives and doggedly fought for justice.
Who Killed Daphne: Investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered by car bomb in Malta, and this podcast delves into her work exposing the unscrupulous elite to identify her killers.
The Clearing: The families of serial killers often seek obscurity (understandably), but that means we never hear their stories. That’s something this podcast about April Balascio, daughter of American serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards, rectifies.
The Trials of Frank Carson: Police and prosecutors go after the defense attorney who has been beating them in court for years, sparking accusations of conspiracy and one of the longest trials in US history.
Sweet Bobby: This British catfishing tale charts successful radio presenter Kirat’s relationship with handsome cardiologist Bobby, and things get impossibly weird.
Dr. Death: A gripping podcast that focuses on incompetent or psychopathic (maybe both) ex-surgeon Christopher Duntsch and exposes terrifying institutional failures.
Crimetown: Taking a forensic approach to organized crime in American cities, this slick podcast comes from the supremely talented makers of The Jinx.
Hunting Warhead: A journalist, a hacker, and some detectives go after a chilling child abuse ring led by a criminal known as Warhead in this tactfully told and thorough podcast.
Love Janessa: Catfishing scams are big business, but why do so many use photos of Janessa Brazil? This podcast tracks her down to find out.
The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods: Journalist Jake Adelstein dives deep into Japanese culture, pursuing his missing accountant and exploring the mysterious disappearances of thousands of people in Japan every year.
Courtesy of Ologies
Ologies
Lighthearted, enthusiastic, and endlessly curious host Alie Ward interviews smart people about their specialist subjects. This accessible podcast covers many topics from a scientific perspective and delights in diving down random rabbit holes. Recent episodes have covered the sun, pelicans, and repulsion.
Courtesy of Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes
Maintenance Phase
The worlds of wellness and weight loss are awash with questionable products and advice, so a podcast to debunk fads and junk science with reasoned argument and research is welcome. It’s more fun than it sounds, thanks to the entertaining hosts, and there’s even a fascinating episode on “snake oil” that recounts the history of health scams.
Courtesy of NPR
Hidden Brain
An absorbing deep dive into human behavior with the help of psychologists, sociologists, and other experts, Hidden Brain is densely packed with informative nuggets. The host, NPR’s accomplished science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, renders complex ideas accessible and offers insight into the inner workings of our minds.
Courtesy of BBC
The Infinite Monkey Cage
This whimsical show, hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince, poses questions like “Does time exist?”—which are then debated by a diverse panel of three guests, usually a mix of experts and entertainers. Definitive answers are in short supply, but it’s always articulate, enthusiastic, and thought-provoking.
Other Great Science Podcasts:
Houston, We Have a Podcast: Anyone interested in spaceflight must give NASA’s official podcast a listen, for interviews with astronauts and scientists.
Science Rules!: Bill Nye, the science guy, teams up with science writer Corey Powell to grill experts on all sorts of interesting science-related topics.
Stuff You Should Know: Prizing knowledge for its own sake and provoking healthy curiosity, this podcast is comical, charming, and full of interesting conversational nuggets.
Courtesy of NPR
The Indicator
This Planet Money spin-off delivers digestible, fast-paced, well-told stories about business and the economy, tackling topics that range from TikTok marketing to opioid nasal sprays and ticket scalpers. Each enlightening episode comes in under 10 minutes and serves as a quick primer that will leave you feeling well informed.
Courtesy of Freakonomics Radio Network
Freakonomics Radio
Promising to delve into the “hidden side of everything,” this long-running, data-driven show is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of the Freakonomics books, and it regularly features economist Steven Levitt. It’s a clever mix of economics and pop culture that flows easily and balances entertainment with education, presenting both sides of debates while consulting relevant guests.
Courtesy of Macro Musings
Macro Musings
If you long to understand the economy better, this topical show, hosted by David Beckworth of the Mercatus Center, interrogates a diverse line-up of economists, professionals, and academics to bring you invaluable insights. It takes a serious look at macroeconomics and monetary policy, but the guests do a solid job of unpacking complex topics.
Other Great Economics Podcasts:
Conversations with Tyler: American economist Tyler Cowen interrogates some of the world’s smartest people in this intellectually challenging interview podcast.
Planet Money: This top-notch podcast has entertaining, digestible, and relatable stories about the economy, unraveling everything from health care to income taxes.
EconTalk: This no-frills show sees economist Russ Roberts engage in sprawling conversations with writers and academics on a range of economics topics.
Courtesy of Wondery
How I Built This
This NPR podcast hosted by Guy Raz explores the stories behind some of the biggest companies in the world from the perspective of the innovators and entrepreneurs who built them. Expect cautionary tales, nuggets of wisdom, and business lessons galore in probing and insightful interviews that reveal a lot about their subjects and what drove them.
Courtesy of Steven Bartlett
The Diary of a CEO With Steven Bartlett
Serial entrepreneur Steven Bartlett built a successful business from nothing and is now an investor on Dragons Den (the UK’s Shark Tank). He talks frankly about his own experiences and interviews various CEOs to find out why they started their businesses and how they guided them to success. Sprawling discussions range from personal life challenges and mental health to business strategies and advice.
Courtesy of TED/Audio Collective
WorkLife With Adam Grant
Expertly hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, this podcast offers practical advice on tackling various issues you are sure to encounter in the average job. The show features interesting psychological perspectives on everything, from how to rethink a poor decision to crafting a great pitch to dealing with burnout. The podcast also boasts insightful interviews with business leaders.
Other Great Business Podcasts:
The Pitch: Fans of Shark Tank will enjoy this podcast, which features entrepreneurs pitching investors to secure real money for their startups.
Ask Martin Lewis: Personal finance guru Martin Lewis has been helping folks in the UK save money for years and provides straightforward financial advice here.
BizChix: This podcast from business coach Natalie Eckdahl is aimed squarely at female entrepreneurs and is packed with no-nonsense expert advice.
Teamistry: With a focus on teams and what they can achieve, the latest season of this podcast tells the fascinating story of the supersonic passenger jet Concorde.
Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts
Courtesy of Adam Buxton
The Adam Buxton Podcast
Consummate conversationalist Adam Buxton is always witty and well prepared, and he has interviewed many interesting people over the course of his long-running show, from Charlie Brooker to Jeff Goldblum. Ostensibly rambling, Buxton skillfully pulls fascinating insights from his interview subjects, bouncing between their personal lives, work, and popular culture with seeming ease.
Courtesy of Wondery
Life Is Short With Justin Long
Likable actor Justin Long and his brother Christian host this enthusiastic and sprawling interview show, where they chat with guests like Zack Snyder, Kristen Bell, and Billy Crudup. The siblings get sidetracked by nostalgic reminiscences and occasional bickering, which sort of makes the show, but they are always generous and kind to their guests.
Courtesy of Wondery
SmartLess
Charming and goofy, this conversational podcast stars Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, and they always have a surprise celebrity guest, like Ryan Reynolds or Reese Witherspoon. It is warm, gentle, and often laugh-out-loud funny, but don’t expect challenging questions or bared souls.
Other Great Celebrity Interview Podcasts:
WTF With Marc Maron: Self-deprecating, sardonic, supremely skilled interviewer Marc Maron interviews some of the world’s most famous people, from Barack Obama to Paul McCartney.
Grounded With Louis Theroux: A soothingly gentle facade belies Louis Theroux’s ability to draw fascinating insights from his subjects with tact and humor.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake: Kathy Burke laughs in the face of death, asking guests like Stewart Lee and Dawn French how they’d like to die, what sort of funeral they want, and who they plan to haunt.
Courtesy of Wondery
Sports Wars
Epic rivalries and long-anticipated showdowns are a massive part of the enduring appeal of sports, and this slick production homes in on them. Rivalries like Federer vs. Nadal in tennis and Tyson vs. Holyfield in boxing are unpacked over a few episodes apiece by host Dan Rubenstein, who digs into their backgrounds to understand why some face-offs get so highly charged.
Courtesy of The Ringer
The Bill Simmons Podcast
This hugely popular sports podcast features fast-paced roundtable conversations with athletes and celebrities that usually focus on the NFL or NBA. Unfiltered opinions, witty remarks, and encyclopedic sports knowledge collide, but this is enthusiastic and accessible enough for casual sports fans to enjoy.
Courtesy of The Athletic
The PosCast
Primarily focused on baseball, this long-running podcast sometimes covers other sports and often meanders into comical conversations. Guests offer amusing anecdotes, but the chemistry between hosts Joe Posnanski and Michael Schur, who can debate endlessly about any old nonsense, is what makes this show so special.
Other Great Sports Podcasts:
Undr the Cosh: Open and honest banter from ex-professional soccer (football) players, as they talk to current pros and recount hilarious on- and off-pitch anecdotes.
Around the NFL: This funny, fast-paced look at the National Football League runs through all the latest football news, blending anecdotes and analysis.
32 Thoughts: A slickly produced, insightful dive into all the latest hockey news and controversy from knowledgable hosts who bounce off each other.
Courtesy of Spotify
Bandsplain
We have all asked this question of a movie at some point, but hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas invite guest creatives to engage in heated and hilarious chats about some of the worst films ever. Movies that are so bad they are entertaining, from Face/Off to Junior to The Room, are dissected and thoroughly ridiculed.
Courtesy of Aquarium Drunkard
Transmissions
This indie podcast is an eclectic mix of interviews mostly with musicians but also with artists, authors, and filmmakers, recorded by the folks at Aquarium Drunkard, which started as a music blog many moons ago. Recommended by WIRED senior editor and podcast host Michael Calore, these passionate, informed, and thought-provoking conversations will take you deep into the underground of popular culture, and may just turn you on to your new favorite tunes.
Courtesy of BBC
Desert Island Discs
Famous people (recent guests include Cillian Murphy and Delia Smith) pick eight songs, a book, and a luxury item as the only things they can take to a desert island. This wonderful premise offers sometimes surprising insights into the guests as they explain their choices. This legendary podcast started in 1942 and would be equally at home in the celebrity interview section.
Other Great Music Podcasts:
Song Exploder: Learn exactly what some of your most-loved tracks are about and how they came to be from the people who wrote and performed them.
Lost Notes: Billed as the “greatest music stories never told” this podcast is a blend of music, interviews, and well-researched history that delivers fascinating insights.
No Dogs in Space: This sweet, smart, and funny music history podcast delivers biographies of bands like the Beastie Boys, the Stooges, and Joy Division.
Courtesy of Earwolf
How Did This Get Made?
We have all asked this question of a movie at some point, but hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas invite guest creatives to engage in heated and hilarious chats about some of the worst films ever. Movies that are so bad they are entertaining, from Face/Off to Junior to The Room, are dissected and thoroughly ridiculed.
Courtesy of BBC
Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review
Respected film critic Mark Kermode has an infectious love of movies and an incredible depth of knowledge about the world of film, and Simon Mayo is a veteran radio presenter. Together they discuss the latest movies, interview top-tier directors and actors, and invite views from their listeners. While the podcast ended earlier this year, the duo have a new show called Kermode & Mayo’s Take.
Courtesy of You Must Remember This
You Must Remember This
Diving into Hollywood myths to investigate and uncover the truth about infamous secrets, scandals, and legends from Tinseltown is a compelling premise, and talented creator and host Karina Longworth makes the most of it. Among the best shows are the “Dead Blondes” series, which includes Marilyn Monroe; the run on Manson; and the “Frances Farmer” episode.
Other Great Movie Podcasts:
The Director’s Cut: Listen to directors like Benicio del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron being interviewed about their latest movies by their peers in roughly half-hour episodes.
The Rewatchables: Bill Simmons and a rotating cast of cohosts discuss and analyze beloved movies and dig up interesting nuggets of trivia.
Lights Camera Barstool: Reviews, interviews, rankings, and accessible chats about the movies with pop culture debates thrown in.
Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]: This comedic movie review podcast highlights films featuring actors of color and analyzes the movies in depth, with an eye on race and diversity.
Courtesy of Headgum
Dead Eyes
Join comedian and actor Connor Ratliff on his mission to discover why he got fired from Band of Brothers. His amusing and honest account of how his big break went bad, reportedly because Tom Hanks thought he had “dead eyes,” is often very funny. An easy listen, peppered with celebrity guests like Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, and Zach Braff, Dead Eyes affords listeners an insight into the world of auditions, acting triumphs, and humiliation.
Courtesy of HBO
HBO’s Succession Podcast
Whether you’re new to this captivating show or a long-time fan, the official podcast affords you a peek behind the curtain as it dissects episodes and explores character motivations. Roger Bennett interviews the main players from the show and then Kara Swisher steps in for the third season to interview the makers and various guests, from Mark Cuban to Anthony Scaramucci, to examine its impact and where it mirrors world events.
Courtesy of Wondery
Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera
Recounting the tragic tale of the exploitative 2004 reality TV show There’s Something About Miriam, this podcast reveals just how cruel reality TV can get. Six young men set up house in an Ibizan villa to compete for the affections of Miriam and a £10,000 ($12,100) cash prize, but the show producers failed to tell them Miriam was trans. It’s a story that ended badly for everyone.
Courtesy of Steve Schirripa
Talking Sopranos
Hosted by actors from the show, Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri), this podcast is essential listening for fans. It runs through every episode with big-name guests, most of whom worked on or appeared on the show. It’s candid about the entertainment industry and absolutely packed to the brim with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insider revelations.
Other Great TV Podcasts:
Shrink the Box: Actor Ben Bailey Smith talks with psychotherapist Sasha Bates as they put some of the best TV characters of all time (like Walter White and Omar Little) on the couch for analysis.
Obsessed With…: This BBC podcast is hosted by celebrity superfans of various TV shows, including Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Line of Duty.
Fake Doctors, Real Friends: Rewatching Scrubs with Zach Braff and Donald Faison is a joyous experience that’s every bit as entertaining, poignant, and silly as the TV show.
Welcome to Our Show: A warming dose of nostalgia and comfort for New Girl fans as Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, and Lamorne Morris rewatch the show together.
Courtesy of The Paragon Collective
Darkest Night
Horror fans will enjoy reliving the last gruesome moments of various corpses that have landed at the mysterious Roth-Lobdow Institute in this deliciously creepy and occasionally gross chiller. Wonderful narration from Lee Pace; acting from the likes of Denis O’Hare, Missi Pyle, and RuPaul; and clever sound design make for a memorably thrilling ride that you just know is going to end badly.
Courtesy of Hello from the Magic Tavern
Hello From the Magic Tavern
Thoroughly absurd, this fantasy improv-comedy show is the brainchild of Chicago comedian Arnie Niekamp, who falls through a portal at a Burger King and ends up in the magical world of Foon. The role-playing game and fantasy references come thick and fast, guests play bizarre characters of their own creation, and loyal listeners are rewarded with long-running gags and rich lore.
Courtesy of Battle Bird Productions
We Fix Space Junk
Short and sweet episodes of this sci-fi comedy-drama fit neatly into gaps in your day and whisk you away to a nightmare corporate dystopia in a galaxy fraught with evil artificial intelligence and monstrous aliens. Struggling repair technician Kilner gets stuck with a rich murder suspect, Samantha Trapp, after accidentally smuggling her across the galaxy in this polished show with a distinct 1980s feel.
Other Great Fiction Podcasts:
Marigold Breach: This intriguing sci-fi tale about a soldier with a sentient AI implant stars Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto.
DUST: This podcast started as an anthology of audio sci-fi stories from the likes of Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury but has changed things up with each new season.
The Bright Sessions: The therapy sessions of mysterious psychologist Dr. Bright, bookended by voice notes, form intriguing short episodes, as all of her patients seem to have special abilities.
Welcome to Night Vale: This pioneering creepy show is presented as a community radio broadcast from a desert town beset by paranormal and supernatural happenings.
Courtesy of Vox Media
Nice Try!
Utopian ideals have led to the development of some fascinating communities over the years, and season one of Nice Try! delves into their history, the hope that drove them, and why these communities ultimately failed. Season two moves on to lifestyle technology, from doorbells to vacuums, all designed to help us realize a personal utopia in the ideal home.
Courtesy of Revolutions
Revolutions
The modern world was shaped by some of the ideas that drove revolutions, and this deeply researched series runs through the English Civil War and American, French, Haitian, and Russian revolutions; Simon Bolivar’s liberation of South America; and more. The writing is concise, the narration is engaging, and host Mike Duncan does a fantastic job contextualizing revolutionary events and characters.
Courtesy of Radiotopia
The Memory Palace
A dreamy, emotional quality elevates these tales of seemingly random moments from the past, expertly told by the eloquent Nate DiMeo and backed by wonderful sound design. These distilled stories serve as historical snapshots of rarely discussed events, and it’s hard to think of another podcast as artful and poignant as this one.
Courtesy of Grim Mild
Noble Blood
Assured in their divine right to rule over everyone, royal families were often incredibly dysfunctional. Author Dana Schwarz examines tyrannical regimes, murderous rampages, power struggles, and dynasty deaths. The madness of monarchs from various nations is concisely dissected in tightly scripted half-hour episodes that will leave you questioning the idea that there’s anything noble about their bloodlines.
Other Great History Podcasts:
Something True: Enjoy utterly bizarre true stories, as every episode of this podcast explores a seemingly forgotten historical footnote.
Lore: Spooky and witty, this classic podcast plumbs history to uncover horrifying folklore, mythology, and pseudoscience.
Medieval Death Trip: An enthusiastic and well-researched look at medieval times, this podcast offers a witty analysis of the primary texts left behind.
Hardcore History: Relatable and endlessly fascinating, Dan Carlin brings history to life with his own riveting narratives on notable events and periods, peppered with facts and hypothetical questions.
Courtesy of BBC
The Food Chain
Learn all about the business, science, culture, and history behind the food we eat with half-hour insights into wide-ranging topics like chocolatiers, the best foods for new moms, or the history of banh mi. Engaging and informative, this is a fun listen that’s perfect to stick on while you whip up dinner.
Courtesy of Ramble
A Hotdog Is a Sandwich
Whatever side of the titular, age-old debate you stand on (I’m with the British Sandwich Association), this fast-paced, often funny show will suck you in as it poses tough food-related questions and then debates them. Chefs Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati decide whether American cheese is really cheese, if Popeye’s and In-N-Out are overrated, and what the best pasta shape is.
Courtesy of Gastropod
Gastropod
If your love of food extends to an interest in the history and science of everything from the humble potato to a soothing cup of tea to ever-polarizing licorice, then this podcast is for you. Knowledgeable cohosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley talk to experts and serve up a feast of delicious bite-size facts that surprise and delight.
Courtesy of The Ringer
The Dave Chang Show
Celebrity chef Dave Chang, whom you may know from his Netflix show, Ugly Delicious, talks mostly about food, guilty pleasures, and the creative process with other chefs and restaurateurs. There is plenty here to satisfy foodies, but some of the funniest moments come when the show covers other random topics, like the perfect email sign-off or wearing shoes indoors.
Other Great Food Podcasts:
Out to Lunch With Jay Rayner: This podcast seats you at a top restaurant to eavesdrop on consummate food critic Jay Rayner with a celebrity guest at the next table.
The Sporkful: You can learn a lot about people and culture through food, and this podcast proves it by serving up delectable bite-size insights.
Best Health and Wellness Podcasts
Courtesy of Lionrock
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
Whether you are struggling with addiction, childhood trauma, eating disorders, or something else, or you know someone who is, this accessible and inspirational podcast can help you examine why. Host Ashley Loeb Blassingame speaks from experience and offers practical advice to help you onto a healthier path. This podcast is honest, insightful, and emotional but ultimately heartwarming and uplifting.
Courtesy of LYT Yoga
Redefining Yoga
Hosted by Yoga leader and physical therapist Lara Heimann, this podcast is a mix of Q&A sessions, interviews with experts, and motivational advice. It focuses on understanding your body and mind, but you will also find practical advice for chronic pain sufferers and different kinds of injuries, explanations on why and how yoga is good for you, and firsthand accounts of the positive impact yoga has on many lives.
Courtesy of Great Love Media
My Wakeup Call With Dr. Mark Goulston
Each episode sees psychiatrist Mark Goulston interview a notable person about the wakeup call moment that changed their path forever. He encourages them to interrogate what sparked their drive, made them want to be a better person, and led to their success. Some guests are better than others, but the podcast is closing in on 500 episodes, so there are plenty to choose from.
Other Great Health and Wellness Podcasts:
The Big Silence: Host Karena Dawn has conversations about mental health with an eclectic mix of therapists, psychologists, and ostensibly successful folks.
Spiraling With Katie Dalebout and Serena Wolf: Candid chats about anxiety with advice on how to cope. The relatable hosts are open and honest about the anxious feelings that modern life can evoke.
Huberman Lab: Host Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, interviews various experts to offer advice on optimizing your health and fitness.
Courtesy of Global Player
My Therapist Ghosted Me
Irreverent Irish chat with comedian Joanne McNally and TV presenter Vogue Williams as they put the world to rights. It feels like eavesdropping on brutally honest best pals as they discuss relationships, work woes, health issues, awkward social situations, and sometimes recent news. The down-to-earth pair liberally dole out a mix of sound and questionable advice that is frequently laugh-out-loud funny.
Courtesy of Shiny Ranga
Wolf and Owl
Comedians and friends Tom Davis (the Wolf) and Romesh Ranganathan (the Owl) chat aimlessly and expertly poke fun at each other for around an hour. It’s often nostalgic, sometimes offers decent advice for listeners, and is always warmhearted and laugh-out-loud funny.
Courtesy of Team Coco
Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer
Perennially single stand-up comedian Nicole Byer is every bit as charming and funny here as in Netflix’s Nailed It baking show, but this podcast delves into some adult subjects. Byer is disarmingly open about her insecurities and struggles and seamlessly stirs in vulgar humor. She also hosts hilarious conversations with guest comedians.
Courtesy of Athletico Mince
Athletico Mince
Ostensibly a soccer (football) podcast, this surreal show is brought to life by lovable British comedy legend Bob Mortimer, with support from sidekick Andy Dawson. Tall tales about real footballers, complete with strange voices and fictional personalities, are mixed with songs, silly inside jokes, and rambling conversations. You don’t really need to know anything about soccer to enjoy it.
Other Great Comedy Podcasts:
Locked Together: Only on Audible, this show features lockdown chats between comedian pals like Simon Pegg and Nick Frost or Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan.
My Neighbors Are Dead: The wonderful premise of this hit-and-miss improvised show is interviews with lesser-known characters from horror movies, like the caterer from Damien’s party in The Omen and the neighbors from Poltergeist.
Ravikant said most of the funding for Airchat has come from his own fund, as well as from Jeff Fagnan, a founding partner at Accomplice Ventures. “[OpenAI CEO] Sam Altman threw in a check, kind of blindly,” Ravikant said. He communicated all of this to me in a public response on Airchat, after politely declining to respond to my DMs and insisting our conversation should happen in public. “It can’t be a side-channel, DM-based interview. That’s the old world that we are leaving behind,” he told me. (In the old world, as in the new world, conducting an interview synchronously is almost always … preferable.)
So far the Airchat feed appears to be filled with tech enthusiasts, early adopters, venture capitalists, and journalists. There’s lots of Bitcoin posting. Winefluencer Gary Vaynerchuk is on the app. So is Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan. This weekend Tan posted, “Breakfast is the first step to greatness. What are you eating this morning?” So far it has more than 96 audio responses. Social media is back, baby.
Airchat has AI. What doesn’t? The app’s deployment, though, is quietly sensible. The transcripts for each Airchat voice note appear almost immediately, and they’re good. Pronounced “Ums” appear within the transcript, but other slight pauses and filler words are edited out. When I used the word “Airchat” in a voice note, it first showed as “error chat,” then quickly self-corrected. The app appears to be able to recognize and transcribe other languages, too; one user spoke in Russian and the transcript appeared in Cyrillic, while another spoke in Moroccan Arabic, known as darija, and then marveled in a follow-up voice note at how good the transcription was.
So what will happen to all of this voice data? Ravikant claimed that the creators of Airchat have no intention of training a large language model on user voices and making “weird synthetic clones of you.” He also said he wouldn’t sell Airchat data to another company building AI models, especially given how relatively small the app is and how uncategorized its data. Airchat will, however, likely use people’s voice data to train a model that improves its own audio and transcription functions. If you’re in, you’ve opted in.
I asked Ravikant about whether some AI company might still scrape Airchat data without a formal agreement. He replied, “We’ll block them, we’ll sue them, and then, if I have a battery of orbital satellites, we’d nuke them from orbit.”
Airchat’s monetization plans are less clear. Navikant hasn’t said anything about charging for access. The current format seems to lend itself to audio ads, but there’s always the risk of making the app unlistenable.
There’s also the issue of content moderation when people’s unfiltered sound bytes are posted to a timeline the moment they release the virtual microphone. One troll seemed to be pushing the boundaries of it on Sunday, cursing the app’s founders, calling the app “fucking trash,” and in as many words telling the founders to, uh, perform fellatio. The voice note is still there. So is a thread where two users go back and forth telling a story about “gay Jewish teens” and “neo-Nazi killers.”
Hot on the heels of his Coachella set, Jamie xx has shared a new song that he played at the festival. “Baddy on the Floor” features Honey Dijon and was created by the two DJs over video calls during the pandemic. Check it out below.
Jamie xx has slowly been trickling out new songs over the years, with this latest single joining “It’s So Good,” from earlier this year, as well as 2022’s “Let’s Do It Again” and “Kill Dem,” and 2020’s “Idontknow.” As it turns out, the producer and DJ is gearing up to release his long-awaited sophomore album, the follow-up to In Colour. During an interview on BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists with Jack Saunders while premiering “Baddy on the Floor,” Jamie xx revealed that he’s putting the finishing touches on his new LP and promised that it will come out later this year.
This summer, Jamie xx will return to Chicago to headline Pitchfork Music Festival 2024 on Saturday, July 20. Also slated on this year’s lineup are Alanis Morissette, Black Pumas, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Ware, Jai Paul, Brittany Howard, De La Soul, Unwound, 100 Gecs, and more. Tickets are currently on sale.
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How much is great sound worth to you? Sennheiser’s top wireless earbuds ask that question in more ways than one. The previous version, the True Wireless 3, was praised by reviewers, but some users raised issues like battery drain and connection glitches. The Momentum True Wireless 4 set out to address these complaints with an all-new battery system among “over a dozen major upgrades,” according to Sennheiser.
Within this context, the two earbud dropouts I experienced in my first few days of testing the MTW4 stood out more than the usual new bud jitters. Especially since the latest pair sports the exact same exterior design as the MTW3, which is, in 2024, looking downright chunky compared to the competition. Size aside, a firmware update seems to have fixed those connection woes, and I’ve experienced no other dropouts over multiple days of testing.
One thing that’s never been in question with Sennheiser is sound quality. Even given their superb sonic pedigree, the Momentum 4 caught me off guard with their clarity, their sensitivity, and the sheer sweetness and delicacy with which they render every tone. They pair that with competitive noise canceling and a solid app. The result is a package that’s worthy of a little faith—especially for those who put great sound first.
Not-So-Spyware
If you’re at all familiar with Sennheiser’s long-running Momentum line, you’ll be feeling déjà vu with the fourth-gen version. The buds arrive nestled in what looks like the same boxy case from the original 2019 Momentum. It feels downright massive when compared to cases from Apple, Sony, and others. Still, you have to admire Sennheiser’s style, cloaking it with sleek fabric straight out of the James Bond Corduroy Collection.
The buds have morphed over time, but Sennheiser made no exterior changes from 2022’s MTW3 to maintain their “timeless aesthetic.” They certainly look premium with their angled, smoked-chrome housings but, timeless or not, I would have appreciated some ergonomic updates.
The buds barely wedge into my medium-size ears with the default band that flexes around the main housing, but swapping it for the smaller of two spares made them stable and relatively comfy for a few hours at a clip. They still feel bulgy and somewhat invasive, and at 6 grams per side, they don’t quite pull the disappearing trick of Apple’s AirPods Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) or other favorites. Four ear tip sizes let you further customize the fit, but those with smaller ears may want to try before you buy.
Plenty of Goodies
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Beneath their enameled shells, the MTW4 have undergone a relatively thorough makeover, from their new battery system (and firmware to optimize it) to support for the latest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol and a new low-latency mode for gaming. They’ve also now got dust protection, with an IP54 rating.
The battery is arguably the most important upgrade, which includes a new provider to ensure improved reliability. Playback is rated at a respectable 7.5 hours per charge, and 30 hours total with the charging case. This matched my testing, with the buds keeping pace at around seven to eight hours per charge with noise canceling on.
Call quality has been upgraded, with AI optimization designed to offer advanced clarity via the buds’ new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. I didn’t notice anything special on my end, but I also never received major complaints from others, even while talking outdoors.
Forest Swords has announced a series of North American concerts. The British electronic music producer born Matthew Barnes will perform in Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Calgary in June. See Forest Swords’ schedule below.
Barnes released the comeback Forest Swords album Bolted last year. He’s following the LP now with two more tracks: “Torch” and “Pearl of Hail.” Find those below, too.
“‘Torch / Pearl of Hail’ were siblings written as part of the Bolted album sessions, recorded in a factory studio space in Liverpool last winter, that deserved an extra life,” Barnes remarked in a press release. “I’m trying to not have much music hanging around on hard drives gathering dust anymore, life’s too short. This pair are a bit lighter and more spring-like than most of Bolted, but still share the same DNA.”
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Forest Swords: North America Spring 2024 Tour
Forest Swords:
04-19 Tilburg, Netherlands – Roadburn Festival 04-20 Genk, Belgium – Little Waves 2024 06-14 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg 06-15 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle 06-18 Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room 06-20 San Francisco, CA – The Independent 06-22 Calgary, Albert – Sled Island Festival
But perhaps AstroLab’s best trick for finding what you need is playlists and songs. These are grouped presets that you’re able to bounce between with the push of a button. So if you need a quiet pad from an Ensoniq SQ-80 for the verse and a razor-sharp lead from an MS-20 for the chorus, you can group them into a song, which turns the instrument type buttons into direct shortcuts to specific presets. Songs are then further organized into playlists. You just press the arrow buttons below the screen encoder to jump to the next track in your set and load up another batch of presets.
If you can’t find what you need among the factory sounds or any of the countless sound packs available from Arturia, you can always design a patch from scratch in one of the instruments as part of the V Collection. Then you can save it as a preset and load it on the keyboard. Granted, this requires shelling out for V Collection, but it frequently goes on sale, and if you already own Analog Lab Pro, which is included with AstroLab, you get an even steeper discount.
World-Class Soft Synths
I’m halfway into this review, and I haven’t talked about the sound at all. This is partly because, well, it’s Analog Lab. It’s an industry staple and sounds fantastic. If you’re not familiar though, rest assured you’re getting some of the finest emulations of vintage instruments available. When you compare the price to even one of the iconic keyboards it’s recreating, the value is undeniable.
The Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Hammond B3 compare favorably with what you’d find on a Nord stage keyboard, but for almost half the price. It convincingly delivers that percussive dizzying effect you’d get from an organ running through a Leslie and the smooth chime of a Fender Rhodes.
In addition, you get rather faithful versions of basically unobtainable synth gems like a Moog Modular, a Yamaha CS-80, or a Fairlight CMI II. Not to mention mass-market classics like the Yamaha DX7 and Casio CZ-101. Plus Arturia’s Pigments and Augmented lineup, which marry orchestral, piano, and vocal samples with a robust synth engine. You’ve got access to everything from crunchy lo-fi piano and EDM bass wubs to soaring string pads perfect for scoring a sci-fi thriller.
The only real weak spot is the acoustic pianos. They’re not terrible and have definitely improved over the years, but they still feel a touch thin and flat compared to the real thing. The chances that anyone would complain about them at your next gig, though, are slim to none.
It’s worth noting that this is currently the only way to get Arturia’s Pigments in hardware form. That’s something that gets me personally really excited. I think it’s the best softsynth on the market, and it can easily go toe-to-toe with other giants in the space like Massive and Serum.
Some will speak of things being a VST but built into a MIDI controller derisively. But that feels reductive here. For one thing, this isn’t just some bare-bones digital synth. And the hardware it’s crammed into is luxurious. The semi-weighted keys feel incredible, and they have aftertouch (though sadly not polyphonic). The pitch and mod wheels are solid pieces of aluminum, and the screen, while small, is bright and colorful. There are even some handsome wooden cheeks on the side. This looks and feels like a high-quality piece of gear.
Recorders, generally speaking, are meant to sit in the background, quietly absorbing sound without contributing to it. They’re a neutral, inconspicuous product type almost by necessity. If you’re recording field audio, like trying to capture the perfect loon call out in the wild, you’d be better served by a proper shotgun mic to pinpoint the sound. Audio recorded directly in a studio sounds great on the TP-7, but again, you can handle that with some far less expensive yet still really good microphones.
The device can also be tricky to navigate, with some menu diving required to access certain features that won’t feel intuitive right away. There’s also some kinks you’ll find if you’re coming from another type of recorder.
As one example, I tried to feed music from Spotify through the TP-7 to test the line-in functions, with a pair of headphones plugged into the output jack so I could monitor the sound. At the time, I didn’t realize that by default the audio still played through both the plugged-in headphones and the on-device speakers. That is, until my girlfriend came in from the other room, laptop in hand, to tap me on the shoulder and say, “I’m getting on a call with my boss. Can you please stop blasting that song.”
I was able to solve this little problem, along with a few similar snafus, by sifting through the thick little flip-book that is the instruction manual. But sometimes there wasn’t exactly an intuitive way of figuring that out without manual diving. And some interactions take a bit to get the hang of.
Leaving the recorder running, for instance, takes two button presses—one tap of the red Record button, then a separate press of the Play button right next to it. On similar devices from other brands, you usually just tap the Record button once and it starts taping. These little idiosyncrasies are the price you pay for something like this. (Besides, you know, the actual price you pay for it.)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Viewing the TP-7 from some kind of hoity-toity professional standpoint is perhaps a little disingenuous. Because the TP-7 is just a good time. It’s far more fun than you’d expect a recorder to be. After all, you’ll recall that the whole front disc spins while you’re recording, and the thing just feels great in your hand, with all its clicky-clacky buttons and smooth switches.
There’s also clever, well-thought-out functions that make recording more interesting. If you press the Play button a second time while playback is going, the disk will reverse its spin and play the audio backward. It’s a fun little option that could be great for music producers fiddling a sample or anyone checking their recordings for any secret satanic messages.
Also the ability to mix and match inputs and outputs with the plugs at the top offers a great deal of flexibility for combining with other audio gizmos. I paired the TP-7 with another of Teenage Engineering’s creations: the EP-133 K.O.2, a remarkably affordable (for Teenage Engineering) sampling device. By mixing and matching the input and output cables between the devices, I could record from the sampler into the TP-7, then manipulate the sound there and port it back over to the sampler, with the DJ scratch sounds fully intact.
For those of us who can’t stop listening to music on the go, the past decade has been a whirlwind. We’ve seen the rise of AirPods—and the associated loss of the headphone jack—in addition to a vast array of microphone, noise-canceling, and other feature improvements that make listening on the go more convenient. One thing we haven’t really seen? A big jump in audio quality.
With its new solid-state drivers, California-based xMems has finally offered us a real leap in how earbuds generate sound. Using the same technology pioneered for producing microchips, these silicon earbud drivers provide a flatter, cleaner overall signature, in addition to significantly added robustness when compared to previous technology.
We first tested xMems’ tech inside a ludicrously expensive (and awesome-sounding) pair of milled titanium earbuds from Singularity Industries, but that felt akin to trying a new eco fuel inside a Ferrari. With two new pairs of earbuds (confusingly named the Aurvana Ace and Aurvana Ace 2, despite simultaneous releases), the folks at Creative Audio have made this brand-new tech accessible to all. In essentially the same form factor, and for the same price as Apple’s standard AirPods, you can now hear the drivers of the future. When it comes to audio quality for the money, there is no contest: Solid state is the future.
Twinsies
Both pairs of Creative’s new earbuds appear almost identical from the outside, sporting familiar elephant-trunked designs in black with copper-gold accents on the outside of each bud. You can tell which pair is which from the charging case. The standard Ace come with an opaque black shell, whereas the Ace 2 come with a see-through gray that reveals a shiny gold interior to the clamshell.
Photograph: Parker Hall
Under the surface, they both get the same xMems driver technology, but the Ace 2 get better processing. The Ace 2 also support lossless Bluetooth audio and come with adaptive noise canceling rather than the non-adaptive, non-lossless technology inside the regular Ace. Both rounded cases offer 18 hours of battery reserve and Qi wireless or USB-C charging, in addition to the six hours of playback inside the buds. For the purposes of the rest of the review, I’ll focus on the Ace 2, which have the same drivers as the Ace but have the aforementioned higher-end chipset. At just $20 more (MSRP), they’re a better buy.
Touch Type
Touch controls on the outside of each bud allow you to tap twice to play or pause music, or hold the outside of each bud to increase or decrease volume (the left side turns it down, right turns it up). These buttons weren’t easy to use; I tended to use Creative’s headphone app and my phone’s controls to mess with the buds when I needed to, which worked fine.
One thing I do like is their simple, easy-to-understand code for telling how much battery is left in the charging case. A red light means 0 to 30 percent, yellow 31 to 70 percent, and green 71 to 99 percent. It’s simple, and it’s helpful for those of us who leave buds in bags for gym time and rarely take them to the charger.
Speaking of gym time, you’ll have no problem breaking a sweat in these, or at least I didn’t, thanks to an included IPX5 rating for water resistance. I used them for many trips to my gym and even some time in the sauna with no issues.
“I needed to write a song about a common situationship within queer relationships—where someone is struggling with coming to terms with themselves,” Roan wrote of her new single in press materials. “It’s a song about wishing well to someone who is avoidant of their true feelings.”
Roan released her debut full-length last fall, and has since joined Olivia Rodrigo on her Guts World Tour, given a guest lecture at Harvard, and is readying her own headlining trek, which kicks off next month.
With little warning, J. Cole released the new album Might Delete Later overnight. The North Carolina rapper’s first full-length since May 2021’s The Off-Season has contributions from Ari Lennox, Gucci Mane, Young Dro, T-Minus, Cam’ron, Bas, the Alchemist, Ab-Soul, Charlie Heat, Mike Will Made-It, Conductor Williams, Central Cee, and more. Listen to J. Cole’s new album below.
Might Delete Later arrives just two weeks after Kendrick Lamar took aim at Drake and J. Cole on “Like That.” Cole addresses Lamar on the new album’s closing song, “7 Minute Drill.” He opens the track, “I came up in the ’Ville, so I’m good when it’s tension/He still doin’ shows, but fell off like The Simpsons.” He goes on to diss Lamar’s albums and throw shade at the Grammys for awarding the Compton rapper so greatly. (Kendrick Lamar has been nominated for 50 Grammy Awards, taking home 17 trophies; J. Cole has been nominated for 17 and won two Grammys.) Cole closes “7 Minute Drill” by, once again, teasing his fabled album The Fall Off.
Streaming from a mix of AAC files from Apple Music on the iPhone 15 Pro, and both Qobuz and Spotify using the aptX compatible Sony Xperia 1 V, I was thoroughly entertained by the M40s. They’re balanced and surprisingly punchy, with a delicious low-end that I genuinely didn’t expect.
Working through my Family Playlist, it’s blatant that these speakers don’t discriminate. Like the perfect wedding DJ, they’re happy if the audience is happy. The Prodigy’s classic dance-floor filler/emptier (delete depending on how old you were in 1994) “Your Love” bounces and rumbles with bags of energy, while Olivia Rodrigo’s ”Vampire” soars confidently, with impressive control, even at the sort of volume a 10-year-old daughter demands.
From classical to classic rock, via electronica and acoustic, I’ve yet to be disappointed by the M40’s warm, accessible performance. Plugging my laptop in via USB port (maximum 24 bit/192 kHz via Qobuz) added more depth to the playback compared to standard Bluetooth streaming, but I imagine most owners will be delighted however they’re choosing to listen.
As further reference, I positioned the M40s side-by-side with the similarly priced Q Acoustics 3050i analog floorstanding speakers. These were powered by the Sonos Amp with audio streamed wirelessly. I was surprised by how well the M40 HD kept up while streaming “just” aptX Bluetooth. Yes, they lacked the same full-bodied presence, but that’s hardly surprising given the 40-inch cabinet height (12 inches taller, and considerably wider) and twin 165-mm drivers.
They didn’t, however, feel underwhelming. And while $999 isn’t chump change, given the added cost of an amplifier, streamer, CD player, etc., and considerable size savings, they offer solid value for money.
Competition Time
Not to be confused with something like the loan-inducing, KEF LS60 Wireless floorstanding speakers, but if you do want the added tech of Wi-Fi, EQ settings, app-based remote control, and hi-res streaming, the WIRED Recommended KEF LSX II LT could be worth a look. It costs about the same and sounds dreamy, but lacks the ability to command a good-size room.
The M40s sound great, look good, and sonically punch well above their size, but the lack of smart features could be alienating to many potential buyers. Bluetooth sounds good here (especially aptX), and I imagine many people won’t think to demand more.
But anyone who has used a speaker with Wi-Fi streaming will be frustrated by the limitations of Bluetooth. Audio cutting out when a phone call comes in, signals dropping if you leave the room with your phone, and having to connect to the speakers each time feels dated.
You could, of course, plug a streaming box like the well-regarded $149 WiiM Pro into the M40s and enjoy all the benefits of hi-res Wi-Fi streaming with Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Alexa, and Google Assistant. It’s not ideal, but it’s a relatively friction-free workaround for anyone wanting superb audio quality and streaming smarts.
I’m not, however, going to call the M40s old-fashioned. They’re definitely low-tech, if hi-res Wi-Fi streaming and app-controlled compatibility are important to you. But if you’re in the market for a superb pair of all-in-one stereo speakers with 200 watts of amplification built in, and with connections to laptop, turntable (preamp needed), CD player, and Bluetooth streaming, you won’t be disappointed.
I’ll also be the first to admit that I was skeptical about the size of the M40s. Launching something to a predominantly traditional audio audience that’s not one thing or another is a risk. But in real-world conditions, the mini towers managed to be relatively unobtrusive while sounding anything but. Maybe, just maybe, it really is what you do with it that counts.
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In a world where eight in 10 remote-capable professionals are working hybrid or fully remote (according to a Gallup survey), it’s crucial to have tools that support focus, concentration, and productivity, no matter where you are. An absolute must is a pair of wireless earbuds with noise cancellation.
While you can’t go wrong with a set like the Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless, they can get a little pricey. However, if you grab an open-box pair, you can save 41% and get them for only $99.99, normally $169.99.
Open box: The trick for saving 41% on new buds.
What does open box mean? Exactly what it sounds like. Think of these earbuds as excess inventory from shelves that were shipped back to a warehouse, as they could no longer be sold. As a result, their packaging is imperfect, meaning you’re getting brand-new earbuds at a fraction of their usual retail price.
Your key to productivity.
But let’s focus more on how great the Beats Studio Buds+ True Wireless earbuds are for hybrid and remote hustlers. They have active noise canceling to help you tune out background noise, like while you’re trying to get work done at the coffee shop or airport, and a transparency mode so you can be aware of your surroundings, like if you want to order a muffin or cross the street without removing the earbuds.
The Beats Studio Buds+ have up to 36 hours of combined listening time with their case, meaning you can stay connected for virtual meetings or hands-free calls for several workdays before needing to recharge. The earbuds also have on-ear controls for managing calls and dual-beam microphones that help filter out external noise for high-quality sound.
According to Melkbelly drummer James Wetzel, “KMS Express” and “Precious Cargo” were created “directly in response to the void of live shows.”
Singer and guitarist Miranda Winters added:
The songs are also about what tethers us to reality. Stuff like—the intense relationships between bandmates, having children, playing shows, love and a bunch of other visceral bullshit. Stuff lost during lockdown that we’re ready to figure out how to get back to now.
It’s been just about four years since Melkbelly’s last studio album, Pith. The band’s snarling 2020 rock album featured the notable tracks “Humid Heart” and “LCR.” Since Pith, Melkbelly have been fairly quiet—in part due to the pandemic interrupting their record release plans—except for a contribution to Simply Having a Wonderful Compilation, a holiday album organized by Father/Daughter and Wax Nine Records featuring Melkbelly’s cover Everclear’s of “Hating You for Christmas.”
Beyoncé’s country era is officially under way: Her new album, Cowboy Carter, is out now, and you can listen to it below. The mammoth, 27-track record features a cover of the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene” and the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” as well as brief appearances from country great Willie Nelson on the “Smoke Hour” interludes. Parton appears, too, on “Dolly P.” A promotional poster that Beyoncé shared on social media, titled Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit, alludes to the venue circuit where Black entertainers could tour during the Jim Crow era.
One of Beyoncé’s children, Rumi Carter, is credited on “Protector.” Additional guests on Cowboy Carter include Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Linda Martell, and Willie Jones. Plus, “Buckle Bunny” singer Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts are on “Blackbiird”—a cover of the Beatles’ “Blackbird.” (Writing the Beatles song in 1968, Paul McCartney was inspired by the Little Rock Nine.)
More contributors to Cowboy Carter include: The-Dream, Pharrell Williams, No I.D., Raphael Saadiq, Ryan Tedder, Ryan Beatty, Swizz Beatz, Rhiannon Giddens, Khirye Tyler, Derek Dixie, Ink, Nova Wav, Mamii, Cam, Tyler Johnson, Dave Hamelin, Shawn Everett, the War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel, and Beyoncé’s husband, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.
“This album took over five years,” Beyoncé said in a press release. “It’s been really great to have the time and the grace to be able to take my time with it. I was initially going to put Cowboy Carter out first, but with the pandemic, there was too much heaviness in the world. We wanted to dance. We deserved to dance. But I had to trust God’s timing.”
Cowboy Carter includes the singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ’Em,” the latter of which topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to do so. The song was also a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, becoming Beyoncé’s ninth chart-topper and first since “Break My Soul.”
Upon announcing the LP, Beyoncé described it as Act II, following the Act I framing of Renaissance. She recently shared the artwork and a note on Cowboy Carter. “This ain’t a Country album,” she said. “This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.”
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