Maura Johnston

Lydia Polgreen, a New York Times opinion columnist; Maura Johnston, a Boston music critic; and Estelle Caswell, a former Vox journalist, dive into the enduring impact of Tracy Chapman's debut album. They explore why its messages of social justice resonate with Gen Z today. The conversation also highlights the significance of music covers and the role of Black artists in country music, alongside reflections on poetic themes present in Chapman's work. The guests celebrate women in music through Joni Mitchell’s Grammy comeback and discuss the cultural relevance of Gen X artists.

Craig Marks, a music journalist and co-author of I Want My MTV, recounts the chaotic launch of MTV and its revolutionary impact on music and pop culture. Maura Johnston, a seasoned music critic, highlights how shows like Thriller redefined music videos as cultural events. The duo examines how MTV's programming strategy broadened musical genres and discusses its challenges in the digital age with the rise of TikTok and YouTube, ultimately reflecting on MTV's legacy as a nostalgic brand amid a fragmented media landscape.

Richie Assaly, a Toronto-based freelance culture writer, and Maura Johnston, a Boston-based music journalist, discuss the cultural significance of the Spinal Tap reunion and its satirical commentary on the music industry. They critique the long-awaited sequel, debating its failure to recapture the original's charm. Shifting gears, they explore Ed Sheeran's new multi-genre album 'Play' and its quest for global appeal. They also dive into Justin Bieber's lo-fi release and Lizzo's thoughts on navigating music discovery in the age of algorithms.