R.E.M. never printed lyrics in their liner notes, which has led to plenty of misreadings of their 1987 classic. Michael Stipe At long last, Michael Stipe is offering answers to questions that have long plagued R.E.M. fans: What is he actually saying on “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” ? The single from R.E.M.’s 1987 album Document   is a masterpiece of rock & roll stream-of-consciousness with Stipe striking that perfect balance of cheery and apocalyptic as he unloads a torrent of pop culture references. Certain parts of the song were always easy to distinguish — “Leonard Bernstein!” — but the sheer volume of Stipe’s volubility has led to plenty of lyrical misreadings over the years, exacerbated by R.E.M.’s decision not to print song lyrics in their album liner notes. But last week, Stipe started to clear up some of the more mysterious lines from the song. (The exercise was inspired by, of all things, a Simpsons meme , and not even the actual scene with an R.E.M. guest appearance and Homer belting out obviously-wrong lines like, “Leonard, what’s-his-name, Herman Munster, motorcade, birthday party, Cheetos.”) The first two he clarified were, “ Left of west  and coming in a hurry with the Furies breathing down your neck”; and “ Team by team  reporters, baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped, look at that low playing, fine, then.” He also addressed the futility of trying to discern other R.E.M. lyrics, especially off their early albums Chronic Town, Murmur , and Reckoning . To those looking to sing along or cover those tunes, Stipe advised : “Just form vowels and syllables, and mean it.”

A New Chapter for DEVO The band is also releasing high-definition restorations of its numerous music videos. by Jaeden Pinder Devo Amid their long-running farewell tour, DEVO has exciting news. Their new documentary has been acquired by Netflix , with a release date set for August 19th. The film, simply titled DEVO , first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. Directed by Chris Smith, the documentary explores the origins of DEVO. The band, consisting of Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale, and Alan Myers, crafted their ideology of “de-evolution” after witnessing the tragic 1970 Kent State shootings. This event, where four students were killed by the Ohio National Guard during a protest against the Vietnam War, deeply influenced their music and message. DEVO also chronicles the band's meteoric rise after the release of their hit song “Whip It.” The film features rare archival footage and interviews with the band’s members and other key figures. High-Definition Restorations In the lead-up to the documentary’s premiere, DEVO will roll out high-definition restorations of their classic music videos. This will occur on a bi-weekly basis as part of a series called Devolutionary Times . The series kicks off with the short film “The Truth About De-Evolution.” Following that, on July 18th, fans can look forward to the release of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” “The films and videos are newly restored to pristine quality, ready to jump off your laptops or mobile devices! Get ready for a Cornucopia of DEVO!!!!” said Gerald Casale. Devolutionary Times will be released twice a week on YouTube through November 10th. “The Truth About De-Evolution” is a 10-minute short film directed by Chuck Statler, written by Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh. It features surrealist visuals and the songs “Secret Agent Man” and “Jocko Homo.” The Farewell Tour Later this year, DEVO will embark on their farewell “Cosmic De-Evolution Tour” alongside the B-52s. This tour includes 11 dates, where the band will perform for fans in cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Austin. Additionally, DEVO will open for My Chemical Romance at their Chicago show this August. Get tickets here . The Legacy of DEVO DEVO formed in 1973 and released their debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! in 1978. Over the years, DEVO has been nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction several times. However, they have yet to receive official recognition from the institution. As DEVO prepares for this new chapter, fans can expect a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The documentary and the restored videos promise to offer a fresh perspective on the band's influential legacy. A Cultural Impact DEVO's impact on music and culture cannot be overstated. Their unique sound and visual style have inspired countless artists across various genres. The concept of "de-evolution" resonates even today, making their work relevant in contemporary discussions about society and art. Looking Ahead As the farewell tour approaches, fans are encouraged to celebrate DEVO's contributions to music. The documentary and music video restorations provide an opportunity to reflect on the band's journey. With their innovative spirit, DEVO continues to challenge norms and inspire future generations. In conclusion, DEVO's upcoming documentary and high-definition music video restorations mark a significant moment in their storied career. Fans should prepare for an exciting experience as they celebrate the band's legacy and the ideology of "de-evolution."

A Glimpse into Taylor Swift's Latest Project Taylor Swift Taylor Swift has unveiled a new vinyl cover for her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl , which is set to be released on October 3. Fans were treated to a cryptic countdown on her website before the announcement of the limited edition vinyl pressing. The Life of a Showgirl: The Shiny Bug Vinyl Collection will be available for preorder on Swift's website. The Exciting Reveal Just days before the vinyl cover reveal, Swift shared the track list and original album artwork for her upcoming project. The album’s title hints at a burlesque theme, which Swift has embraced in her recent looks. Feathered boas, opulent headpieces, and scalloped diamonds evoke the glamour of a burlesque dancer. With the help of luxury fashion houses like Area , The Blonds , and Rene Caovilla , Swift’s Showgirl era emphasizes that more is more . A true Vegas showgirl always embraces excess. The Album Cover For the album cover of The Life of a Showgirl , Swift donned an intricate, crystal-embellished minidress featuring a balconette-style bra and scalloped cutouts designed by Area. This stunning garment is part of the brand’s spring 2022 collection and pays homage to what Vogue describes as “ the glitz of an off-duty Vegas dancer. ” Art Deco Glamour Art Deco-inspired glamour appears to be the central theme of Swift’s recently unveiled Showgirl era. Among her featured album artwork ensembles is a rhinestone-encrusted, deep red one-piece with a corseted bodice and pointed accents from The Blonds' fall-winter 2024 collection. Swift completed this striking look with matching opera gloves and knee-high boots, along with her signature fishnet tights. Extravagant Fashion Choices Swift’s voluminous ostrich feather Showgirl look is also from The Blonds' fall 2025 collection. Fashion critic Sarah Chappelle, who focuses on Swift's style, notes that the brand’s designers have described their muse for this specific collection as a “model, showgirl, it-girl, or an actress.” These descriptors perfectly align with Swift’s Deco-coded sartorial era. The False God hitmaker paired the extravagant, light pink ensemble with a crystal headpiece and chandelier wrap-around sandals by Rene Caovilla. The Inspiration Behind the Album While appearing on Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast, New Heights , Swift revealed the inspiration behind The Life of a Showgirl era. She aimed to dramatize the realities of life on the road. Over 21 months, Swift visited 21 countries during the Eras Tour, which began in March 2023 and concluded in December 2024. With 149 shows across five continents, it became the highest-grossing tour of all time. “My day ends with me in a bathtub, not usually in a bedazzled dress. … I wanted to sort of, like, glamorize all the aspects of how the tour felt,” Swift shared on the podcast. “The reason I wanted to have an offstage moment as the main album cover is because this album isn’t really about what happened to me onstage. It’s about what I was going through offstage.” The Showgirl Era: A New Chapter The Showgirl era marks a significant evolution in Swift's artistic journey. It reflects her desire to explore the complexities of fame and the contrasting realities of her life. As she embraces this new aesthetic, fans can expect a blend of theatricality and authenticity. The Anticipation Builds As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build among fans. The combination of stunning visuals and compelling storytelling promises to make The Life of a Showgirl a memorable addition to Swift's discography. Conclusion Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl is not just an album; it's a celebration of the multifaceted nature of her life as an artist. With its glamorous visuals and heartfelt narratives, it invites listeners to experience the highs and lows of her journey. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 3 and prepare for a musical experience that promises to dazzle and inspire. For more updates, keep an eye on Swift's official website and social media channels.

By Andy Greene Kiss, Sylvester Stallone & George Strait President Donald J. Trump has announced  the first Kennedy Center Honors recipients since he took over earlier this year as the chair  of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. President Trump selected country musician George Strait , rock band Kiss , disco icon Gloria Gaynor , British actor Michael Crawford and American film star Sylvester Stallone. The president has said that he plans to host the annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December. Gaynor is best known for “I Will Survive,” the 1978 single that is considered an anthem of the gay rights movement. Her selection comes as the Trump administration enacts policies  that have endangered transgender people and limited resources for LGBTQ people. When announcing Gaynor’s selection, Trump called  “I Will Survive” an “unbelievable song.” Kiss is fronted by a longtime  Trump supporter in Gene Simmons. The musician also appeared on Trump’s reality series, The Apprentice , in 2008. Sylvester Stallone has also shown his support  for Donald Trump.

The highly anticipated mockumentary sequel reunites Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer with director Rob Reiner… and some very special guests ! By Madison Bloom Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins, Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls, and Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Three years ago, the world learned that a sequel to This Is Spinal Tap  was finally in the works . Now, Bleecker Street has unveiled the first trailer for the film which reunites Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer with director Rob Reiner… and some very special guests . The teaser for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues features appearances from Paul McCartney, Elton John, Questlove, and others, while Reiner reprises his role as director Martin “Marty” Di Bergi, and Guest, McKean, and Shearer slip into aging versions of their original characters Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, respectively. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues  hits theaters on Friday, September 12—41 years after the original film was released. The sequel follows Spinal Tap members—all of whom are white-haired and languishing in small-time bands—as they attempt to join forces for one more gig. Di Bergi captures the rockers as they seek out a 12th drummer (their 11th drummer sneezed himself to death), reckon with their past, and prepare for the ultimate farewell concert. What could go wrong? The new film was written by Reiner, McKean, Guest, and Shearer. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the first narrative feature film that Reiner has directed since 2017. Reiner produced the movie alongside Michele Reiner and Matthew George.

The Disney+ film Beatles ’64  captures the Fab Four’s iconic first visit to the United States By Eric Torres The Beatles  are getting a new documentary. Beatles ’64 , produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi, will premier November 29 on Disney+. The film features never-before-seen footage by documentarians Albert and David Maysles and will focus on the band’s first trip to the United States in February 1964 when they appeared on The   Ed Sullivan Show  and performed at the Washington Coliseum. Beatles ’64 , which is co-produced by Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr, is also being released alongside The Beatles: 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono , a box set of seven Beatles album reissues analog cut from their original mono master tapes, including Meet the Beatles! ;  The Beatles’ Second Album ;  A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) ;  Something New ;  The Beatles’ Story  (2xLP);  Beatles ’65 ; and  The Early Beatles . The new film follows The   Beatles: Get Back , Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series on the making of Let It Be .  Earlier this year, it was announced that each member of the Beatles will be the subject of his own biopic in a new tetralogy directed by Sam Mendes and set for release in 2027.

By Nika Shakhnazarova Quincy Jones with Michael Jackson Legendary music titan Quincy Jones has died at age 91. The 28-time Grammy winner’s publicist, Arnold Robinson, said the music icon died Sunday night (November 3rd) surrounded by his family at his Los Angeles home. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” Robinson said in a statement. During his glittering career, Jones produced Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album, wrote prize-winning film and TV scores and collaborated with stars like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald. Jones is the third-most-decorated Grammy winner, with a whopping 28 awards to his name. Jones also earned his stripes in the music world for his work with Michael Jackson. He worked with the late King of Pop on “Thriller” and tracks such as “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” “Thriller” sold more than 20 million copies in 1983 alone and is widely regarded as the best-selling album of all time. In addition to Jones’ 28 Grammys, he boasted two honorary Academy Awards, and an Emmy Award for “Roots.” He also received France’s Legion d’Honneur, the Rudolph Valentino Award from the Republic of Italy and a Kennedy Center tribute for his contributions to American culture. His success was highlighted in a 1990 documentary, “Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones,” as well as a 2018 film made by his famous daughter, Rashida Jones. Jones is survived by his seven children.

Fleetwood Mac By Jazz Monroe A new Fleetwood Mac documentary is on the way via Apple Original Films. The members will tell the story of the band in their own words which bills the documentary as the first to be authorized by the band. (Archival interviews with the late Christine McVie  will also feature.) The as-yet-untitled film will be directed by Frank Marshall who also headed up the recent Beach Boys film  for Disney+. He previously directed the Bee Gees documentary How Can You Mend a Broken Heart . “I am fascinated by how this incredible story of enormous musical achievement came about,” Marshall said in Apple press materials. “Fleetwood Mac somehow managed to merge their often chaotic and almost operatic personal lives into their own tale in real-time, which then became legend. This will be a film about the music and the people who created it.” No release date for the new movie has been set.

Lady Gaga By Matthew Strauss Lady Gaga , Chappell Roan and Dua Lipa took part  in the new Apple TV+ holiday special A Carpool Karaoke Christmas . As part of the special, Gaga debuted a new cover of the Christmas classic “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” Listen to the new track below, and scroll down for the trailer for A Carpool Karaoke Christmas . Head to Apple TV+  to watch the full episode. Lady Gaga’s new cover song follows her singles “ Die With a Smile ” and “ Disease .” She also recently starred, with Joaquin Phoenix, in Joker: Folie à Deux  and shared the companion album Harlequin .

Lady Gaga By Jazz Monroe Lady Gaga  has finally announced her new album. Mayhem , the 14-track album formerly alluded to as LG7 , is due out March 7 via Interscope . A new song will debut on Sunday, February 2 with a music video premiering during a commercial break at the 2025 Grammy Awards . Gaga said in a press release that the album “started as me facing my fear of returning to the pop music my earliest fans loved,” likening the process to “reassembling a shattered mirror: Even if you can’t put the pieces back together perfectly, you can create something beautiful and whole in its own new way.” Lady Gaga executive-produced the album alongside Michael Polansky and Andrew Watt with individual producers including Watt, Cirkut and Gesaffelstein. Speculation about the Chromatica  follow-up—she jokingly calls her 2024 record Harlequin   LG6.5 —ramped up last September, when Gaga revealed, during promotion for Joker: Folie à Deux , that the new album would be out in February 2025. (Close enough!) She followed the news with a song and video, “ Disease ,” and a series of teasers including a Times Square billboard and a countdown clock on her website  with the announcement. Her 2024 Bruno Mars  collaboration, “ Die With a Smile ,” will also feature on the new album; that song and “Disease” bookend the otherwise unannounced tracklist.

By Matthew Strauss Miley Cyrus  has announced a new album. Something Beautiful , the pop musician’s ninth solo studio album out May 30 via Columbia . Cyrus and Shawn Everett  are the new album’s executive producers. Something Beautiful will be released alongside a companion film, directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman and Brendan Walter. Cyrus’ new album will follow 2023’s Endless Summer Vacation , which featured the hit song “ Flowers .” Cyrus has said  that Something Beautiful  was inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall . “My idea was making The Wall but with a better wardrobe and filled with pop culture,” she told Izzy Grinspan for Harper’s Bazaar .

by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 class of inductees. The group of performers receiving the honor include a 1960's hitmaker who spent decades advocating for his own induction, a trailblazing Southern rap duo and a 1980's flamboyant pop superstar currently on her farewell tour.     "Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever," said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in a press release. "Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps." Here is the 2025 class of inductees:     Performer Category     According to the Rock Hall, this category recognizes "artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll."     Bad Company     The English rock band released its self-titled debut album in 1974, which included its hit song "Can't Get Enough." The supergroup's original lineup featured vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, who'd both been in the band Free, as well as former Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell. Though they've been eligible since 1999, Bad Company won induction on its first-ever nomination for the Rock Hall. Chubby Checker      Chubby Checker's 1960 cover of "The Twist" (which had been a minor hit for Hank Ballard and the Midnighters two years earlier) landed him at the top of Billboard 's Hot 100 chart on two separate occasions. It's a definitive hit of the early rock era but Checker spent decades feeling underappreciated for his contributions to the genre. In 2001, he took out  a full-page ad in Billboard magazine requesting not only induction to the Rock Hall, but also a separate courtyard statue in his honor. "I want my flowers while I'm alive," he wrote. "I can't smell them when I'm dead." It took a while for the Hall to prepare that bouquet — but like Bad Company, Checker is getting in on his first nomination.     Joe Cocker     The late English musician became a star in the U.S. with his raspy rendition of "With a Little Help from My Friends" at Woodstock in 1969. But he spent decades releasing albums and major hits, including "Feelin' Alright," "Up Where We Belong" and "You Are So Beautiful," which he told  NPR in 2012 was among his favorites. Cocker was another first-time nominee this year.     Cyndi Lauper     Cyndi Lauper became a household name in the 1980's with a remarkable string of hits like the off-kilter girl power anthem "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and the pop ballad "Time After Time." But the eccentric, rainbow-haired Lauper reinvented her sound and image over the course of several decades, dabbling in genres like country, blues and rock and establishing herself as an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights. Announcement of her induction coincides with her ongoing farewell tour across the U.S. and Europe, and follows her second nomination for the Rock Hall. Whereas several members of Lauper's cohort of '80's hitmakers — like Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson — were inducted more than a decade ago, several of her contemporaries (George Michael, Duran Duran) did not make the cut until recently. OutKast     When much of hip-hop's attention in the mid-1990s was focused on the west coast vs. east coast rivalry, OutKast turned heads in a completely new direction: towards the South. The groundbreaking duo made up of Big Boi and André 3000 released its debut album in 1994, when they were still teenagers, and marked Atlanta as an epicenter of musical innovation with albums like ATLiens , Aquemini  and the Grammy-winning Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Over the last few years, the Hall has been admitting one hip-hop act each year — A Tribe Called Quest last year, Missy Elliott and Eminem and LL Cool J before that. But the Rock Hall isn't the only pop music institution who has failed to adequately reward the genre: In the 21 years since OutKast took the prize, no other rap album has won the Album of the Year prize at the Grammys. OutKast has been eligible since 2019. The group received its first nomination this year.     Soundgarden     Three-time Rock Hall nominee Soundgarden is finally being awarded for taking the Pacific Northwest's grunge scene with songs like "Black Hole Sun" and "Fell on Black Days." The Seattle-born band stood out for singer Chris Cornell's aggressive vocal style and a tortured edge that worked in the group's favor as metal turned grunge towards the late 1980's. Soundgarden broke up and reunited over the course of several decades and was reportedly working on new material at the time of Cornell's death in 2017.     The White Stripes     The White Stripes led the garage rock revival of the early '00's with songs like "Seven Nation Army" and "Fell in Love With a Girl." The guitar, drums and vocal duo made up of Jack and Meg White — who initially pretended to be siblings but were actually married, then divorced — are being inducted after their second nomination to the Rock Hall of Fame. Although the group achieved modest commercial success by Rock Hall standards, their influence remains monumental. The guitar riff in "Seven Nation Army" has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music released in the 2000's thanks to its widespread popularity as a soccer stadium chant . The official induction ceremony will take place on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will be streamed live on Disney+ with an ABC special to follow.