"Although the film isn’t a masterpiece, it’s as strong a sci-fi B-movie as any of Carpenter’s others, from Christine to Escape from New York." I wrote about Memoirs of an Invisible Man for @spectrumculture.bsky.social's Criminally Underrated. Check it out: spectrumculture.com/2026/01/21/c...

Wrote about Craig Armstrong's Pacific, a conflicting album that some may find too dull and repetitive, whereas others will experience these aspects as cinematically brilliant. Read more on @spectrumculture.bsky.social here: spectrumculture.com/2026/01/06/c...

Have you thought about the Dandy Warhols lately at all? spectrumculture.com/2026/01/06/r...

These guys were so cool to see live and a blast to write about! Check out my review below!

"Shay Hazan is a talented multi-instrumentalist and producer, but his latest work suffers from too many ideas and a lack of consistency." Read my review on @spectrumculture.bsky.social here: spectrumculture.com/2026/01/05/s...

Ondi Timoner's rockumentary 'DIG!' follows the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Dandy Warhols through the '90s music industry, but, as The Tonearm's Bill Cooper explains, its most vital lesson has nothing to do with record labels—it's about the communities and collaborations that sustain bands:

I really debated writing this, especially considering how beloved A24 is, but after watching some recent releases by the studio, I have some conflicting feelings about their current output.

"Despite some minor nitpicks, Dream Theater’s latest live album is one of their best recorded performances to date, both visually and audibly." Wrote about Dream Theater's latest live album on @spectrumculture.bsky.social: spectrumculture.com/2025/12/14/d...

Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I reviewed Stop the Insanity, a documentary about a memory-holed '90s health infomercial icon, Susan Powter: spectrumculture.com/2025/11/19/s...

"Packed with five releases from 1978 to 1982, along with rarities and remixes, it’s a definitive place to start when uncovering this oft-forgotten late artist." Wrote about the new Nicolette Larson Warner Bros. Box Set on @spectrumculture.bsky.social: share.google/43zTBoEU8suk...

“For those who want their psych rock to travel to interplanetary places, Kungens Män’s latest record gives listeners a chance to rocket across the galaxy without leaving their chair.” Wrote about Kungens Män's Resande I rockmusik on The Third Eye here: thirdeyepsychrock.substack.com/p/resande-i-...

"Stripped of morality and riddled with confounding studio choices, Teen Witch is a film best enjoyed with a group of friends — preferably inebriated — and discussed at length afterward." I wrote about Teen Witch on @spectrumculture.bsky.social spectrumculture.com/2025/11/12/f...

If you see this, post an album cover with a motor vehicle on it. Here's a personal fav.

Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I wrote at length about an R.E.M. album that is near and dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy it: share.google/mhVFxVk0AMAC...

"A celebration of improvisational psych rock, the album grounds itself in ‘60s golden era psych-rock while interspersing new elements..." Wrote about DWLVS' new live album on the Third Eye: thirdeyepsychrock.blog/2025/11/06/l...

"An array of stringed instruments and a groove-centric sound makes for an engaging sophomore effort from Rick Pedrosa’s psychedelic ambient project." Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I wrote about The Far Sound's new album: share.google/dqjQ2xqYJUOn...

"Despite tough topics portrayed in a gruesome manner, Whore is a decent record and a great starting point for listening to this doom sludge metal trio." Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I wrote about the Mephistofeles' Whore reissue: share.google/Bz0LMIdSQxOt...

"Focusing his lens on the subject of television...Ozu illustrates how consumerism affects a culture, as well as providing a touchstone for modern-day viewers to examine their own fears of progress." Today on @thetonearm.com, I wrote about Ozu's Good Morning: www.thetonearm.com/the-unboxed-...

"Due to a confusing plot, weak character motivation, and shoddy filmmaking, this period piece never pays off." Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I wrote about Where the Wind Blows: share.google/ICB4qJ9mbuRi...

"Watson and his quartet put on a technically impressive show, but listeners may yearn for more memorable jazz." Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I review Bobby Watson's Perpetual Groove reissue via Red Records: spectrumculture.com/2025/10/27/b...

Wrote on Substack about Pitchfork's upcoming controversial decision to allow audience ratings and comments, my thoughts, and how I think it might impact music criticism. Link here: open.substack.com/pub/billstak...

On @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I wrote about Esther Rose, Jobi Riccio, and Higher Ground in Burlington, VT, in my latest concert review. spectrumculture.com/2025/10/26/c...

"Psychedelic, brilliant, and even sometimes frightening, it connects a nexus of French traditions and culture within its music with cutting-edge folk, psychedelia, and prog rock." On Third Eye Psych Rock, I revisited Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes' Paix: thirdeyepsychrock.blog/2025/10/18/p...

"The idea that Musk and many tech companies are proposing isn’t just flawed. It’s backwards. Aren’t these companies the ones that typically push progress?" On Substack, I wrote about the Silicon Valley push for the 996 schedule, work culture, and burnout: billstakes.substack.com/p/more-hours...

I responded to a message just like this one a year ago and writing for Spectrum Culture has been a deeply rewarding experience ever since.

Over 18 months and more than 100 pieces later, I can say working for this site has been an overwhelmingly positive experience and has put me in touch with some really cool people. Worth reaching out...even if you're only just a little curious.

Wrote on @spectrumculture.bsky.social about 100 Meters, a sports anime film I wanted to like more than I did: spectrumculture.com/2025/10/13/1...

Thank god I was worried it was fake

Mobley in the mornin'

Are We Good? No, really, are we? Steven Feinartz's latest documentary about comedian and podcaster Marc Maron consists of themes of grief and self-doubt that are universal and wholly relatable. Read more at @spectrumculture.bsky.social: share.google/shWfvh9VcDWf...

Gee, they ain't lyin', huh?

"Let's go, it's beat time, it's hop time, it's monk time!" Today on @spectrumculture.bsky.social , I review the Munster Records reissue of one of the strangest yet essential '60s albums...The Monks' Black Monk Time: spectrumculture.com/2025/09/30/t...

It's hard not to feel left out if you don't enjoy every "groundbreaking" album. In my latest Substack post, I argue the hidden costs of these hype trains by highlighting a particular band: Geese billstakes.substack.com/p/its-okay-i...

Thoughts that share the same energy: "You have to watch the first two seasons before it gets good" "You have to listen to the album over ten times before you can say if you like it or not"

Doctor I trust more than RFK Jr

Tonight's watch: Kurosawa's Scandal

This album slaps so hard. Electronic, pulsating grooves, head-nod inducing beats, great vox. Hard not to want to dance. So glad I picked this one up.

"Though Josie and the Pussycats is a thoroughly enjoyable film that should be known beyond its small cult circles, the film’s themes should also be revisited, as they have become more relevant..." Read more on @spectrumculture.bsky.social here: spectrumculture.com/2025/09/15/r...

Wrote on @spectrumculture.bsky.social about Nickelback, why they were so originally hated and why some are enjoying them years later. Hint: Nostalgia plays a large role. share.google/cvrt2nYqgaEl...

It's not October yet, but this LP feels right this morning.

Pic related: At work, writing a very long, in-depth feature that dozens of people may read.

"Brad Mehldau crafts a thoughtful, purposeful Elliott Smith-inspired album that, though fascinating and endearing, sometimes fails to capture the essence of the musician himself." On @spectrumculture.bsky.social, I wrote about the latest Brad Mehldau album here: spectrumculture.com/2025/09/04/b...

We did it! We ranked all 259 U2 songs from worst to best. Thanks for taking this journey with us. Here is the final part: spectrumculture.com/2025/09/04/e...

Damn, Metheny is throwing some serious shade on Kenny G in this here graf.

Wrote about "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," along with one of the greatest psychedelic soul albums of all time on Third Eye Psych Rock. thirdeyepsychrock.blog/2025/08/26/a...

Getting funky with one of the Temptations' best albums. Notice how I said "one," as there are several bangers in their psychedelic soul section of their discography...

Saturdays are for...digging through Nick Heyward's discography, I guess?

This is the YouTube version of the new episode of my Pop & Prose podcast. In it, I'm joined by fellow music lover and writer @hopebillhelps.bsky.social & we discuss our favorite albums released so far this year. 🎶🎧 #music #newmusic

I'm always happy to have a music conversation, and this was one of the best I've had all year! If you're looking for ten great albums that came out this year (so far), check out @buddygott.bsky.social 's latest podcast episode! So many great different genres and artists represented!

Wrote an in-depth deep dive about one of my favorite albums of the Cure, their most recent release Songs of a Lost World on @spectrumculture.bsky.social! Check it out!