Thomas Bartlett

My favorite things

The 20 tracks -- all exclusive to Salon -- that make up the best of this year's free downloads.

Thomas Bartlett Saturday, Dec 30, 2006 1:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

The best downloads of 2005

Twenty fantastic free tunes that made our year, including songs from Dwight Yoakam, Animal Collective and M. Ward that you can't download anywhere else.

Thomas Bartlett Saturday, Dec 31, 2005 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

“I try to write songs and stuff”

The enigmatic Brian Wilson talks to Salon about emulating McCartney and Spector -- and writing music after "Smile."

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Jun 22, 2005 8:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Building a better Live 8

Dump Paul McCartney, Elton John and Sarah McLachlan! Add Prince, Radiohead and -- for heaven's sake -- more black people! Our favorite online observers rate Bob Geldof's big summer sequel.

Thomas Bartlett Tuesday, Jun 7, 2005 9:47 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

“American Idol” virgin

Bland country moxie beat brash Vegas rocker, in the first -- and last -- "Idol" I'll ever watch.

Thomas Bartlett Thursday, May 26, 2005 3:57 PM UTC
Entertainment American Idol, Television

Def touch

Rapper-actor Mos Def, who stars in the new "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," talks about pursuing two careers without being "Will Smith or Latifah or Sinatra -- or Sammy Davis Jr."

Thomas Bartlett Thursday, Apr 28, 2005 7:06 PM UTC
Entertainment

Hit Mann

Aimee Mann explains her eagerly awaited new concept album, her distrust of major labels and why she's spoiling for a good fight.

Thomas Bartlett Monday, Apr 4, 2005 6:17 PM UTC
Entertainment

Buh-bye, WMD. Hello …?

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Feb 2, 2005 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Turn da music up!

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Don’t blame Ashlee

People are shocked -- shocked! -- when pop stars like Ashlee Simpson and Lindsay Lohan are caught lip-syncing. But why?

Thomas Bartlett Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Lindsay Lohan, Music

Flash-forward 2005

The year ahead promises records from Beck, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, even Paris Hilton. Plus: Free music from Marianne Faithfull, Iggy Pop and more.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Jan 5, 2005 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Holiday cheer

Christmas music that doesn't stink from the Silent League and Rickie Lee Jones. Plus: The best source for free, legal mp3s.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Dec 22, 2004 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Checking it twice

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 11:25 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Goodbye, pimps and hos!

The year's biggest pop stars dropped the skanky booty-shaking, and -- like much of the country -- chose a conservative path.

Thomas Bartlett Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004 11:24 PM UTC
Entertainment Kanye West

What do they know?

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Dec 8, 2004 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Nothing to smile about

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Dec 1, 2004 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Some you can leave behind

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 10:05 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

The resurrection of Nick Cave

The most talented romantic Christian poet rocker in the world talks to Salon about his new record and his return to songwriting form.

Thomas Bartlett Thursday, Nov 18, 2004 10:40 PM UTC
Entertainment

Happy surprises

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

Why give up?

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.

Thomas Bartlett Wednesday, Nov 10, 2004 9:00 PM UTC
Entertainment Music

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