Hold Steady now... new music is on the way

The Hold Steady return with more gut-wrenching, hope-inspiring, Springsteen-flavored, uber-poetic rock and roll, as the entire new album Heaven Is Whenever streams on NPR.

(With thanks to DV alumna Julia Skochko for the tip.)

Type O Negative Singer Peter Steele Dies At 48

Bassist and lead vocalist Peter Steele of doom metal outfit Type O Negative died of an apparent heart attack yesterday, he was 48. The burly 6'7" frontman was known for his deep, sonorous voice and macabre lyrics. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Steele was a founding member and the principal songwriter during the band's 20-year career.

Type O Negative found great success in the '90s on the strength of their unique sound and Steele's knack for picking the most unlikely cover songs, including Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" and Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze." Steele had spent the earlier part of this decade dealing with drug and legal problems, but a new album in 2007 and well-received tours put the band on an upswing, and a new album had been planned. His bandmates report he "had been enjoying a long period of sobriety and improved health."

I had the pleasure of seeing Peter and the band perform on two occasions, and his unique and original presence in the world of music will be sorely missed.

Artist Spotlight: Linda Ronstadt

Her band became the Eagles, her boyfriend became a presidential candidate, and later in her career, she herself became a singer of traditional Spanish songs. But what Linda Ronstadt will always be remembered for is crossing over from country to the pop charts with a series of classic mid-70s singles. This week, Staff Writer David Bowling turns the clock back and shines our Artist Spotlight on five albums from Linda Ronstadt's very successful 70s run. Check it out...

Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse: An Appreciation

Another musical voice silenced, another moment to reflect.

I wasn't personally acquainted with the music of Mark Linkous or his musical alter ego Sparklehorse -- but I was definitely moved by Assistant Editor Melanie Love's appreciation of his life's work.

R.I.P.