Ben Affleck recently visited the Criterion Closet and took home physical copies of some of his favorite movies, including Miller’s Crossing, The Silence Of The Lambs, and, because he’s a real one, Michael Bay’s Armageddon (“I feel like maybe my best work in my career is the commentary on this disc”).
Affleck grabbed more than four films in total, so you couldn’t call it his Mount Rushmore of movies (save it for Letterboxd). But in an interview for Complex, he was asked by The Accountant 2 co-star Jon Bernthal for his “rapper Mount Rushmore.” Sorry, Machine Gun Kelly, but you didn’t make the cut.
Ben Affleck’s Rapper Mount Rushmore
1. Lil Wayne
2. Eazy-E
3. Slick Rick
4. Kendrick Lamar
You get the sense that Affleck is going off the dome, and if you gave him the same prompt the following day, he would have an entirely different set of answers. But that’s part of the fun.
While promoting Air in 2023, Affleck was tasked with guessing what Michael Jordan would have been listening to on his Walkman in the mid-1980s. “I think it’s safe to say he was listening to Prince, like any self-respecting human alive at that time,” he told Spotify. “And then I’d guess Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five, Van Halen, Run-D.M.C., Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Whodini, Kool & The Gang, Fleetwood Mac, and The Sugarhill Gang.”
Every month, Uproxx cultural critic Steven Hyden makes an unranked list of his favorite music-related items released during this period — songs, albums, books, films, you name it.
1. Bon Iver — SABLE, fABLE
The song titles are a tip-off. With a Bon Iver album, they can be a difficult proposition. Ever since 2016’s 22, A Million, the tracklist for a Justin Vernon LP reads more like a menacing letter from a Zodiac-inspired serial killer than a rundown of songs. Random numbers and strange symbols are plentiful. Easily pronounceable words are not. But there is a method to the madness. When it’s a challenge to put a name to a song, that song becomes hard to pin down and decipher. Even when contained on a record by one of the biggest indie-rock stars of the last 20 years, the song remains elusive and enigmatic. And, by association, so does the artist. But on SABLE, fABLE (the first Bon Iver album in six years, and the fifth overall), the song titles are shockingly comprehensible. Yes, there’s a song called “Speyside” — one of three tracks carried over from last year’s SABLE, EP — which is stylized in all caps with a space between each letter, a move designed to taunt typesetters everywhere while also possibly confusing Scotch liquor enthusiasts. And don’t overlook “There’s A Rhythmn,” with the intentional misspelling that may or may not reference the state of Minnesota, just because that seems like an extremely Bon Iver thing to do.
2. Bill Fox — Resonance
Resonance is the first Bill Fox record in 13 years, and only his fifth solo LP in the past 29 years. (He also fronted a power-pop band in the ’80s called The Mice that is worshipped by power-pop freaks like the aforementioned Robert Pollard, who has raved about them being an influence on GBV. Fox, in turn, sounds a bit like an amalgam of Pollard and his former GBV bandmate, the elfin-voiced Tobin Sprout.) The bulk of Fox’s reputation rests on two albums he put out in the late ’90s, Shelter From The Smoke (1996) and Transit Byzantium (1998). They were mostly recorded at home by Fox himself on a four-track. Unlike the unruly blasts of psychedelic pseudo-arena rock turned out by his peers in GBV, Fox plays songs with Dylanesque instrumentation (voice, guitar, harmonica) and a Beatlesque melodic sense. And his lyrics — often lovelorn, occasionally political, usually introspective, and always poetic in a plainspoken way — are far better-written and heartbreaking than they need to be.
I caught the six-piece ensemble last week at Minneapolis’ historic rock club 7th Street Entry — a gig Dowdy says he was extra-excited about, and I don’t think that was just stage banter — and they put on a musically rambunctious and spiritually big-hearted show. On record, the focal point is squarely on Dowdy’s songs, which marry hearty alt-country music with impressionistic lyrics infused with authentic small-town southern lore. He is especially fond of deploying regional slang that might be confounding to outsiders, starting with the album title (named after one of the record’s best songs), which refers to an unruly, unsightly creek. On stage, however, Fust has a communal band vibe that’s immediately inviting, starting with the interplay between Dowdy and singer/fiddle player Libby Rodenbough, and extending to the lively interjections of pianist (and long-time Dowdy collaborator) Frank Meadows. Seeing Fust live only made me love their latest album Big Ugly more, and it was already one of my favorite albums of early 2025.
4. Jerry David DeCicca — Cardiac Country
I’ve been a fan of this Texas-based singer-songwriter since his time with The Black Swans back in the aughts. But DeCicca is on an extra-special roll lately, after 2023’s New Shadows — a pitch-perfect homage to boomer rock singer-songwriter records from the 1980s, a la Bob Dylan’s Infidels and Don Henley’s Building The Perfect Beast — and the new album out this month. Unlike a lot of artists working in a similar “literate Americana” lane, DeCicca understands that the right vibe can take a good song and make it something greater. On Cardiac Country, he locks into a hyper-specific frequency I would liken to watching an old episode of Austin City Limits from the ’90s on YouTube starring Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Joe Ely. If that description communicates something visceral to you, grip this album now.
5. Craig Finn — Always Been
Craig Finn’s voice and songs plus music that sounds like The War On Drugs — the elevator pitch for Always Been is so simple that it almost seems too simplistic as a description. But that’s basically what this album is. Lyrically, Finn was so inspired by the character he invented for “Bethany” — a preacher with serious spiritual doubts and a mysterious past — that he created a song cycle fleshing out a story that also addresses matters of sin, redemption, reinvention, and murder. And then, with Adam Granduciel’s assistance, he placed those songs in rousing heartland rock soundscapes rife with atmospheric guitar and synth sounds. For an artist who has been compared to Bruce Springsteen semi-constantly for the past two decades, Always Been is the closest Finn has come to making an actual Springsteen record. Born In The U.S.A. and Tunnel Of Love, in particular, feel like obvious signposts.
6. Adrianne Lenker — Live At Revolution Hall
I’m still working my way through this massive 43-song set. I’m also one of the freaks that ordered the album on cassette, so I’m waiting for that to arrive before I fully absorb this thing. But I’m already prepared to call Live At Revolution Hall the most conceptually interesting live record to come out in a long while. The mix of fidelities — lo-fi, hi-fi, no-fi — as well as the blend of music and found sounds makes it feel like something Neil Young would have attempted in the mid-1970s but not actually put out until the mid-2020s. It’s as much a documentary about Lenker’s recent tour as it is an album.
7. Momma — Welcome To My Blue Sky
This Brooklyn-by-way-of-LA band suffers somewhat by virtue of doing something musically that a million other bands have attempted in the past several years. The reference points couldn’t be more obvious: Siamese Dream, Veruca Salt, Hole’s Celebrity Skin era, general shoegaziness. On paper, it doesn’t get more shopworn. But Momma deserves extra credit for attempting all that and actually pulling it off. If you can allow yourself to be drawn in one more time by a music critic promising “MTV Buzz Bin rock but new,” I promise that you will find Welcome To My Blue Sky as fun as I do.
8. Waterboys — Life, Death, And Dennis Hopper
The year’s weirdest rock album so far, and one of the more fascinating. I am a huge fan of the music that Mike Scott made in the ’80s — most of all 1988’s Fisherman’s Blues, his masterpiece — but I haven’t kept up with the bounty of records he’s put out since. But Life, Death, And Dennis Hopper — a concept record about the famous actor, and the times he shaped — makes a case for me playing catch up. Scott’s knack of tuneful folk-rock grandiosity remains intact, and he’s helped by a galaxy of guest stars that includes Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, and Steve Earle.
The latest we’ve heard from Ice Spice is the new song teaser she dropped in March, in which she proclaims to be “thick again.” Lately, it has seemed like she has more going on than music, as it’s rumored that she’s in a relationship with New York Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner
Are Ice Spice And Sauce Gardner Dating?
As Just Jared notes, rumors started in February, when the NFL star was spotted in the background of a video featuring Ice Spice. That month, they were also both at Druski’s Coulda Been Love premiere party in New York City.
Earlier this month, Gardner took to Instagram to share some photos featuring Ice Spice, and she even commented a “1,” Gardner’s jersey number. A couple weeks ago, the two were also spotted together at Adin Ross’ boxing match, but when they were shown on the kiss cam, they opted not to participate.
Now, there’s more new evidence. Last night (April 29), Ice shared a photo dump on Instagram, and one of the pics is of her and Gardner taking a bathroom mirror selfie. Gardner stands behind Ice Spice with his hand lingering by her waist.
So far, neither Ice Spice nor Gardner have shared a public comment about their supposed relationship.
At long last, Broncho fans got to eat last week, when the Oklahoma band released Natural Pleasure, their first album in six years. They’ll be bringing the songs on the road, too, with a tour that launches in June. (Speaking of concerts: Brancho previously graced the digital pages of Indie Mixtape 20, as an answer to a question in Sunflower Bean’s installment.)
Following the album’s release, the band’s Ryan Lindsey sat down with Uproxx to talk about Paw Patrol, cleaning, Dollywood, and more in our latest Q&A.
What are four words you would use to describe your music?
Very very very real.
It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
Heavily influenced UFO disclosure.
Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?
My cardiologist, he’s extremely flexible with his calendar and has always had very inspiring merch ideas.
Where did you eat the best meal of your life and what was it?
Hangzhou, China, Domino’s Pizza.
Tell us about the best concert you’ve ever attended.
If I could ever see AC/DC, then that would be the best concert I’ve ever been to.
What song never fails to make you emotional?
“Drive” by The Cars and “Wildest Dreams” by The Moody Blues.
What’s the last thing you Googled?
What does ryder from pawpatrol say.
Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever crashed while on tour?
The Four Seasons, Austin.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform and what’s the city you hope to perform in for the first time?
I love playing anywhere, including Berlin, we’ve had some great Berlin shows. Hopefully one day we get to play Barcelona.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
You look great.
What’s one of your hidden talents?
I can clean.
If you had a million dollars to donate to charity, what cause would you support and why?
I would start a charter school for my children, then send them to public school, and pocket the cash.
What are your thoughts about AI and the future of music?
I’m not sure, lemme ask ChatGPT real quick, brb, asap.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location it would be held.
Elton John, Billy Joel, Sonny and Cher, The Bee Gees, and Metallica in the Bahamas.
Who’s your favorite person to follow on social media?
I’m not on social media, but if I was, it would be someone that’s kind of famous but also kind of smart and also kind of funny, too.
What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?
I don’t have any tattoos because I don’t trust myself enough to still be into something I previously made a decision about.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I don’t have any rituals per se, but I do like to be having a good time.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Elizabeth Shue, The Karate Kid.
You have a month off and the resources to take a dream vacation. Where are you going and who is coming with you?
I’m going to Dollywood, and everyone’s coming with me.
What is your biggest fear?
Winning the Super Bowl and large indoor bodies of water.
Natural Pleasure is out now via Broncho Worldwide. Find more information here.
As his forthcoming album’s title suggests, Joe Jonas is on a mission to make Music For People Who Believe In Love. Despite his noble cause, the “Heart By Heart” singer is at the center of a viral romantic quarrel.
As a member of the boy band (and Uproxx cover star) Jonas Brothers, Joe has had lady admirers since he was a teenager. But one superfan is ready to dissolve her marriage for a chance with Joe. But Joe hilariously chimed in to axe that plan and defuse the online spat.
In a clip (viewable here), one user told her husband “I love Joe Jonas.”
That did not sit well with her partner. “You’re my wife,” he replied. “We are married til death do us part!”
The user quickly rebutted: “Joe walks through that door.”
To prove he’s willing to do anything to protect his union. “[I’ll] fight his ass,” he said claiming Joe is ‘only five-foot-three.’ “That’s a promise.”
That was enough to end the playful dispute. However, Joe wanted to ensure he stated his piece. In the post’s comment section, Joe wrote: “Well, I love you both, and I’m 5’4 ok.”
According to his IMDb page, Joe Jonas is actually 5′ 8″. Apparently, Joe is ok with being the smaller person in order to keep a marriage together.
Before Ballerini was a household name among country music lovers, the “Two Things” singer says she had a hard time getting noticed. Today (April 29) in a sit-down with Variety, Ballerini revealed early career comparisons to her now friend Swift nearly slowed down her professional progress.
When asked about managing that time Ballerini discussed a dismissive chat she had with a record label executive. “‘There’s already a Taylor Swift,’” she repeated. “And he was right.”
While Ballerini was proud to be singer and songwriter similarly to Swift, most industry insiders did not see past her being just “another” young, blonde, female.
“There weren’t a lot of young female singer-songwriter girls in country music to look up to,” she added. “I had to grow into my own identity as an artist and a songwriter and learn to differentiate myself.”
Eventually, Ballerini was able to carve out something uniquely her and blazed a trail within the genre ever since.
The BTS hiatus was a hard reality for fans to grapple with. But the “Take Two” band’s break has impacted each of its members more than any superfan.
Today (April 29), J-Hope expressed what he learned about himself and the group’s impact during a sit-down with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. When asked about his mandatory military service with the South Korean forces, J-Hope learned a great deal about his musical legacy, life, and more.
“I think it’s only natural for young people in South Korea to take on this responsibility,” he said. “I thought it was a very important part of J-Hope’s or Jung Ho-seok’s life. After all, I am a proud citizen of South Korea. I love my country. There are things that I cherish in this country.”
He continued: “It’s a different experience. Also, in reality, I’ve learned a different life. And in many ways, I got to meet people from all walks of life and I received a lot of good energy. And I heard a lot of good things. But also, you know, a year and a half is actually not a very short time. That bit made me feel a lot of things. In the end, I think the most important thing was I realized how important the work I’ve been doing for all these years is incredibly meaningful to me.”
He closed be disclosing why he released music during his enlistment, saying: “Even though I was in the service, I think there was a part of me who never really let go of my love for music.”
So far, J-Hope and Jin have completed their service. In June, RM, Suga, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook are expected to be discharged.
Watch J-Hope’s full interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe above.
Drake is hard at work cooking up his next solo studio album. According to the “Nokia” rapper the forthcoming release “slaps.” But new music isn’t the only thing Drake has been conjuring up.
On May 12, Drake’s new signature scent will be unleashed on the world. In the extension of his longstanding collaboration with renowned perfumer Michael Carby, Drake revealed his upcoming eau de parfum, Summer Mink, with Better World Fragrance House.
For the unisex offering’s promotional commercial (viewable here), Drake tapped into his past acting skills. As Drake paces a cluttered room piecing together the perfect formulation for Summer Mink.
Eventually mad scientist mission is accomplished. “F*ck,” he exclaimed. “F*ck. That’s good. That’s it. That’s it.”
Carby described the fragrance as “inspired by a yin-yang principle of fusing warm, creamy base notes with cold spices and sparkling citruses.”
He continued: “The ingredient composition was uniquely crafted to reflect a multinational culture with aspirations toward a Better World.”
On Better World’s website, Summer Mink’s liner notes outlined the primary scent profile as amber woody with Italian citrus, clary sage, and petitgrain as top notes. Summer Mink’s mid notes are jasmine sambac, rose oil, and spices. The dry notes to round everything out are vetiver, ambrofix, and musk.
Drake’s new eau de parfum, Summer Mink, with Better World Fragrance House is available for purchase now. The scent is available nationwide starting on May 12. Find more information here.
Zach Cregger joined Jordan Peele, Osgood Perkins, and Julia Ducournau as one of the most exciting horror filmmakers with his directorial debut Barbarian. The movie was commercial and critical hit, and now following a massive bidding war, he’s back with his next feature.
Weapons stars Julia Garner as a teacher whose students go missing at the same time, on the same night. What happened? Where did they all go? Thankfully, the disturbing Weapons trailer, which you can watch above, will hook you in without giving away the answers.
While writing Weapons, Cregger found inspiration from Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia. (I’d call it PTA’s masterpiece, but he has many of those.) “I just like that kind of unapologetic, ‘This is an epic.’ I love that movie. I love that kind of bold scale,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “It gave me permission when I was writing this to shoot for the stars and make it an epic. I wanted a horror epic, and so I tried to do that.”
If Weapons features any frogs or Aimee Mann songs, you’ll know why.
Weapons, which also stars Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan, hits theaters on August 8.
Laufey kicked off a new era earlier this month with the single “Silver Lining,” and now she’s looking to help others: Today (April 29), she announced the launch of The Laufey Foundation, which aims to increase the accessibility of music education.
A press release notes the foundation has “the primary mission of supporting young musicians with the resources they need, especially through youth orchestras, to reach their full potential.” It also has the goal of “ensuring that young musicians of all demographics have the opportunity to attend youth orchestra programs, as youth orchestras serve as a gateway and conduit for serious student musicians to achieve their full potential by giving them the experience they need to be successful in their college and university ensembles and beyond.”
“The support and scholarships I received as a child have directly led to the career I have now. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to provide the next generation with the same support and opportunities. I can’t wait to connect with the young musician community!”
The foundation will award its first grants to the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program, The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and two of Carnegie Hall’s national youth ensembles (NYO2 and NYO Jazz programs). AWAL, AEG Presents, and Steinway & Sons are founding partners in the foundation, while Warner Chappell, Catbird, and Gibson Gives are benefactor partners.
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