#the smiths

ONLY NOISEPlaylist for a Schoolgirl Crush

ONLY NOISE explores music fandom with poignant personal essays that examine the ways we’re shaped by our chosen soundtrack. This week, Erin Lyndal Martin shares a selection of songs that bring back the rush of a schoolgirl crush. No matter how old you get, there’s something that stays dreamy about...

Erin Lyndal Martin

ONLY NOISEWelcome to the Workless Week

Rihanna is doing everything I am not. “Work, work, work, work, work, work/You see me I be work, work, work, work, work, work,” she barks through the café sound system – as if she knows. Another sunny day in the neighborhood. It is loping along at a drowsy pace. Parks are barren – full of empty...

Madison Bloom

ONLY NOISEShiny Happy Pop Songs Holding Hands

I have appointed myself with the task of making a playlist of songs I enjoy for their sheer mood-erecting abilities, which was harder than you might think. They can’t just be any peppy pop songs. I have to love of course. I may be in a good mood, but I’m still a snob.

Madison Bloom

ONLY NOISEPop Anonymous

If concept is the enemy, context is a friend. After all, it was context that first tricked me into liking The Smiths.

Madison Bloom