Sign in

Stephen Thomas Erlewine

@sterlewine.bsky.social
6.3K followers 605 following 1.5K posts

Music writer and journalist, a founding editor of Allmusic now freelancer for hire. Bylines at Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Mojo Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and more. Subscribe to my Newsletter: sterlewine.substack.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 7h
Elvis Costello celebrates the 49th anniversary of his debut album My Aim Is True with a five-disc box set loaded with demos and live performances. Yes, this is the fourth expanded reissue of the album but this set nevertheless offers a bunch of revelations. My review:
sterlewine.substack.com
Elvis Costello, My Aim Is True (49th Anniversary Edition)
Yes, this is the fourth time Costello’s 1977 debut has received an expanded reissue but the wealth of unreleased demos and live performance offer a bunch of revelations.
2305
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 7h
Elvis Costello celebrates the 49th anniversary of his debut album My Aim Is True with a five-disc box set loaded with demos and live performances. Yes, this is the fourth expanded reissue of the album but this set nevertheless offers a bunch of revelations. My review:
sterlewine.substack.com
Elvis Costello, My Aim Is True (49th Anniversary Edition)
Yes, this is the fourth time Costello’s 1977 debut has received an expanded reissue but the wealth of unreleased demos and live performance offer a bunch of revelations.
2305
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Eric Harvey @ericdharvey.com · 14h
was thinking last night how crazy it was that they kept touring for nine months after Rubber Soul hit stores, even after recording Revolver. Stuck playing "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" and "Baby's In Black" after cutting "Norwegian Wood" "Tomorrow Never Knows" had to feel like going back in time for them
3201
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Beatles' Rubber Soul gets its long-awaited Super Deluxe Edition, complete with a disc of outtakes and a new stereo remix by Giles Martin. My review is in my latest newsletter. sterlewine.substack.com/p/the-beatle...
sterlewine.substack.com
The Beatles, Rubber Soul [Super Deluxe Edition]
Rubber Soul gets its long-awaited Super Deluxe Edition, complete with a disc of outtakes and a new stereo remix by Giles Martin.
1435
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tyler Wilcox @tylerwilcox.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
One great thing about the upcoming Rolling Thunder Revue 1976 set is that we'll get much, much more of Dylan's absolutely wackadoo slide guitar work. Watch out, Bob Weir!
Dylan shredding on slide — Tampa, Florida 21st April 1976
1314
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Beatles' Rubber Soul gets its long-awaited Super Deluxe Edition, complete with a disc of outtakes and a new stereo remix by Giles Martin. My review is in my latest newsletter. sterlewine.substack.com/p/the-beatle...
sterlewine.substack.com
The Beatles, Rubber Soul [Super Deluxe Edition]
Rubber Soul gets its long-awaited Super Deluxe Edition, complete with a disc of outtakes and a new stereo remix by Giles Martin.
1435
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Bowiesongs (C. O'Leary) @bowiesongs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
wait, this started as a Genesis parody? tribute? had no idea
"I've Seen the Lamb Lie Down on Broadway (Miami 2017 demo, 1975"
6337
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Over at @pitchfork.com, I review Mule, the new album from Orville Peck where he turns his dark night of the soul into a rousing entertainment.
pitchfork.com
Orville Peck: Mule
Read Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review of the album.
071
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Over at @pitchfork.com, I review Mule, the new album from Orville Peck where he turns his dark night of the soul into a rousing entertainment.
pitchfork.com
Orville Peck: Mule
Read Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review of the album.
071
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Over at @pitchfork.com, I review Happiness Anytime, the new album from Leon Bridges.
pitchfork.com
Leon Bridges: Happiness Anytime
Read Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review if the album.
131
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Over at @pitchfork.com, I review Happiness Anytime, the new album from Leon Bridges.
pitchfork.com
Leon Bridges: Happiness Anytime
Read Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review if the album.
131
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"If Brian Wilson & Mike Love shared a body" is dead-on.
1141
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In the latest installment in a series I’m doing with my friend @conradflynn.bsky.social about the history of rock and the occult, tentatively titled Running with the Devil: Daryl Hall and his Robert Fripp-produced album Sacred Songs.
sterlewine.substack.com
Running with the Devil: Daryl Hall and the Occult
“Mind over matter, the beauty is there, but a beast is in the heart”
118018
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Steve Reynolds @reynoldstop20.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Absolutely loved this from @sterlewine.bsky.social.
131
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Lou Papineau @loupapineau.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
When I did a phoner with Daryl to promote the album, I asked him about the statement etched in the end groove -- "New Music Is Not a Style, It is a Quality." He didn't know it was there!
251
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
John Allison @badmachinery.com · 18/09/2026
One of my favourite records brilliantly dissected
4221
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In the latest installment in a series I’m doing with my friend @conradflynn.bsky.social about the history of rock and the occult, tentatively titled Running with the Devil: Daryl Hall and his Robert Fripp-produced album Sacred Songs.
sterlewine.substack.com
Running with the Devil: Daryl Hall and the Occult
“Mind over matter, the beauty is there, but a beast is in the heart”
118018
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Neil Young sounds at peace on Second Song, his second album with the Chrome Hearts. My review is in my latest newsletter:
sterlewine.substack.com
Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts, Second Song
Neil Young sounds at peace on a quiet, reflective set with the Chrome Hearrts
0335
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
My review of Beck's Ride Lonesome, an album where heartache feels as comforting as a fireside chat.
sterlewine.substack.com
Beck, Ride Lonesome
Beck is back on the heartbreak beat on an album that makes a dark night of the soul feel as comforting as a fireside chat.
0112
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
My review of Beck's Ride Lonesome, an album where heartache feels as comforting as a fireside chat.
sterlewine.substack.com
Beck, Ride Lonesome
Beck is back on the heartbreak beat on an album that makes a dark night of the soul feel as comforting as a fireside chat.
0112
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Over at @pitchfork.com, I review Hope Is The Thing With Feathers, the new album from Rhiannon Giddens.
pitchfork.com
Rhiannon Giddens: Hope Is the Thing With Feathers
Read Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review if the album.
0135
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Agreed, although I'm partial to Randy Vanwarmer's power pop rendition from a couple of years later.
youtube.com
Shadows of the Night
YouTube video by RANDY VANWARMER - Topic
2121
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Over at @pitchfork.com, I review Hope Is The Thing With Feathers, the new album from Rhiannon Giddens.
pitchfork.com
Rhiannon Giddens: Hope Is the Thing With Feathers
Read Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review if the album.
0135
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
jesse jarnow @bourgwick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
farewell to peter max, who brought psychedelia into the mainstream & maybe subsequently was not really remembered among the hep '60s artists. but i kinda love his stuff & how elemental & even elegant it feels now.
815732
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Noel Murray @noelmu.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The PRETENDERS doc is very conventional but sometimes you have to practice self-care in the middle of a film fest and just spend two hours watching, listening to and thinking about the Pretenders. I did appreciate that the movie basically only covers the band's first three album -- the greats.
1253
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Neil Young sounds at peace on Second Song, his second album with the Chrome Hearts. My review is in my latest newsletter:
sterlewine.substack.com
Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts, Second Song
Neil Young sounds at peace on a quiet, reflective set with the Chrome Hearrts
0335
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Alison Fensterstock @alisonf.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I remember doing a panel with the Exciters once and that is indeed what they remembered warmly 50 years on from their tour opening for the Beatles - being protected from awful Jim Crow venue rules on tour together in the American South
1183
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My latest newsletter: reviews of the Cramps as produced by Alex Chilton, Buddy Miller's first solo album in ages, the new LP by the Tubs, and Eli "Paperboy" Reed as produced by Swamp Dogg.
sterlewine.substack.com
Reviews: The Cramps, Buddy Miller, The Tubs, Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Plus some odds and ends, including four previously unreleased Pixies songs.
1254
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My latest newsletter: reviews of the Cramps as produced by Alex Chilton, Buddy Miller's first solo album in ages, the new LP by the Tubs, and Eli "Paperboy" Reed as produced by Swamp Dogg.
sterlewine.substack.com
Reviews: The Cramps, Buddy Miller, The Tubs, Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Plus some odds and ends, including four previously unreleased Pixies songs.
1254
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My latest newsletter: Notes from the opening stop on Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds' Mutiny For The Masses tour.
sterlewine.substack.com
Tour Report: Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds, ATX, 9/4/26
Notes from the opening stop on the Mutiny For The Masses tour.
181
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My latest newsletter: Notes from the opening stop on Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds' Mutiny For The Masses tour.
sterlewine.substack.com
Tour Report: Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds, ATX, 9/4/26
Notes from the opening stop on the Mutiny For The Masses tour.
181
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
David Cantwell @cantkill.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Before her death gets too far in the rearview, I wanted to share some thoughts on Dolly Parton. She was a great star but also one of country's key musical innovators. "Beyond being merely idolized, Dolly Parton was cherished." At No Fences Review
nofencesreview.substack.com
Dolly Parton, 1946 - 2026
David considers Parton’s musical influence and what was, maybe, more important
1115
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
This is great.
1175
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Bowiesongs (C. O'Leary) @bowiesongs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This is a great example of how, for an MTV obsessed kid in 1983 or so, the 70s looked like they had happened on another planet. You'd see a sleeve like this and recoil: "that's what bands looked like?"
623622
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Ms. Magazine @msmagazine.com · 28/08/2026
"If feminism means each of us finding our unique power, and helping other women do the same, Dolly Parton certainly has done both," wrote Gloria Steinem in 1987.
msmagazine.com
Dolly Parton’s Unique Feminist Power, as Told by Gloria Steinem (January 1987)
Woman of the Year Dolly Parton’s Unique Feminist Power, as Told by Gloria Steinem (From the January 1987 issue of Ms. Magazine)
7433157
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
My latest newsletter: an overdubbed, dispiriting mess suggests Prince's Vault may not be "Timeless."
sterlewine.substack.com
Prince's Vault may not be "Timeless"
The Prince estate reboots their excavation of the Vault with an overdubbed, dispiriting mess.
86411
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Jason Bailey @jasondashbailey.com · 02/09/2026
Breathtaking kicker, bravo
1101
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Ned Raggett @nedraggett.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Following on from @matoswk.bsky.social's blistering RS review and @mikeduquette.bsky.social's noting of the overdub issues already surfaced, @sterlewine.bsky.social with the summary and coup de grace on this disaster of an 'archival' release.
1206
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
My latest newsletter: an overdubbed, dispiriting mess suggests Prince's Vault may not be "Timeless."
sterlewine.substack.com
Prince's Vault may not be "Timeless"
The Prince estate reboots their excavation of the Vault with an overdubbed, dispiriting mess.
86411
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Michaelangelo Matos @matoswk.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
"I opened the door and here’s this gnome, this little sawed-off guy with sausage fingers holding a half gallon of Gallo wine. He introduced himself, took a step inside the door, fell flat on his face, and the bottle went tumbling. I said, 'Could be our guy!'" www.texasmonthly.com/culture/zz-t...
texasmonthly.com
Exclusive: ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons on Being the Last One. "For Me, the Sun Isn't Setting."
The only surviving member of the legendary Texas trio plans to keep the band going. "We wanted to follow Frank and Dusty’s last wishes."
0173
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
My latest newsletter: Mike D delivers his first new music since the Beastie Boys, Billy Strings mourns, Dinosaur Jr. roars, Alabama Shakes dreams, Pulp were born to perform.
sterlewine.substack.com
Reviews: Mike D, Billy Strings, Dinosaur Jr, Alabama Shakes, Pulp Live!
Mike D delivers his first new music since the Beastie Boys, Billy Strings mourns, Dinosaur Jr. roars, Alabama Shakes dreams, Pulp were born to perform.
0141
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Anthony Cougar Miccio @anthonymiccio.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Over a decade ago, I saw Mike D walking from a park in Brooklyn with his sons, holding a basketball. If only I’d noticed them in the park, I could say I saw him play with Very Nice Person before ANYBODY.
041
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Bowiesongs (C. O'Leary) @bowiesongs.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
decent-ish sounding tape of the last full Beatles concert, 60 years ago at Candlestick Park. they sound pretty good for being unable to hear much of anything, if the big vox harmony songs ("Nowhere Man," "Paperback Writer") naturally suffer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBve...
youtube.com
29/08/1966 The Beatles - Live At Candlestick Park, San Francisco, USA, The Final Concert
YouTube video by The Beatles Cavern
46214
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
My latest newsletter: Mike D delivers his first new music since the Beastie Boys, Billy Strings mourns, Dinosaur Jr. roars, Alabama Shakes dreams, Pulp were born to perform.
sterlewine.substack.com
Reviews: Mike D, Billy Strings, Dinosaur Jr, Alabama Shakes, Pulp Live!
Mike D delivers his first new music since the Beastie Boys, Billy Strings mourns, Dinosaur Jr. roars, Alabama Shakes dreams, Pulp were born to perform.
0141
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Jay Jaffe @jayjaffe.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
If all you know is the hits, her early ‘70s output is worth a deeper dive. Highest recs to Mission Chapel Memories 1971-75
0131
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
My thoughts on a lifetime of listening to Dolly Parton's discography of many colors, featuring a list of recommended albums and compilations.
sterlewine.substack.com
Dolly Parton (1946-2026)
Thoughts on a Discography of Many Colors
07216
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Jake @gloriousnoise.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
It’s fair and accurate to describe much of Parton’s discography as “all-purpose entertainments, records that glided by on her charisma and were too accomplished to be bad, although they were often so polished, they seemed dull.” The highs are very high and she’s still Dolly on the rest.
131
Stephen Thomas Erlewine @sterlewine.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
My thoughts on a lifetime of listening to Dolly Parton's discography of many colors, featuring a list of recommended albums and compilations.
sterlewine.substack.com
Dolly Parton (1946-2026)
Thoughts on a Discography of Many Colors
07216
Reposted by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Alfred Soto @sotoalfred.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
In anticipating celebrity culture and schooling herself in a multimedia landscape Dolly Parton understood how humility and the performance of humility presented a Christian paradox that casual and devoted fans would wave aside. A few words about Parton and her legacy. wp.me/pzXeC-lDr
wp.me
The Mona Lisa’s smile: On Dolly Parton
I consumed tons of what we now call traditional press material in the 1990s, but I don’t remember anyone calling Dolly Parton a bimbo or impugning her intelligence — she did a masterful…
0248