Why It Matters

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From the Stacks: Death Might Be Your Santa Claus

Need some Christmas music but sick of that Mariah Carey song?
Choose and Defend: Facts or Fictions

This week’s “Choose and Defend” takes place during an imaginary presidential election year.
Throw Beck Thursday: The One About the Wannabe Televangelist

There is a fine line sometimes between romance and memory. I am guilty of putting on the rose-colored Bootsy shades, but I try to keep it to a minimum. Sometimes, though, it is awfully tough: The summer after seventh grade, for example. I find it hard not to remember those three months in amazing Technicolor. No…
Deep Cuts: Songs For A Riot

I like to think everyone who lived in L.A. in ’92 was changed by the riots.
On Diffuser: Cover Stories – The Subway-Inspired Artwork for Yeah Yeah Yeahs ‘Fever to Tell’

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Fever to Tell features a great, DIY, punk rock cover. Want to learn all about? Check it out on Diffuser.
239. They’ll Slam Ya Down to the Street Top

I would be exaggerating if I told you that everyone in Los Angeles had an LAPD story back in ’92, but it sure seemed like it.
From the Stacks: ‘Here’s Johnny …. Magic Moments From the Tonight Show’ (8-Track)

Johnny Carson was one of the biggest stars in the U.S. in 1974, but the album he released that year almost destroyed the record label.
On Diffuser: 35 Years Ago — Germs Frontman Darby Crash Dies of an Intentional Overdose

Poor Darby Crash. The guy wanted to be a legend, but he timed his suicide poorly.
On Diffuser: 15 Years Ago – Rage Against the Machine Make Their Own Mixtape With ‘Renegades’

Cover albums are usually throwaway novelties. Not so with Rage Against the Machine’s Renegades.
Throw Beck Thursday: The End of a Dream (and the Beginning of a New One)

“Your tennis shoes are good enough. It’s just little league,” my father said. “It’s Pony league, and it says I have to have spikes.” I handed him the registration form and equipment list. He scanned it. “That’s where they get you. They keep the registration fee low, then they make a deal with the sporting…