James Stafford
Cover Stories: Red Hot Chili Peppers, ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’
It's an album cover that stands at the threshold of an enormous cultural shift, and it remains the Red Hot Chili Peppers' most iconic sleeve.
When Pearl Jam Took Flannel to the Masses With Their Debut, ‘Ten’
Almost a quarter-century after it was released, Pearl Jam's first album sounds as fresh as the day we first cracked the CD's shrink-wrap.
31 Years Ago: Red Hot Chili Peppers Release Their Self-Titled Debut
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' path to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame began with this tentative first step.
Cover Stories: Nirvana, ‘Nevermind’
"Full of poetry and cynicism." That's how album cover legends Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis fame describe Nirvana's 'Nevermind' sleeve.
24 Years Ago: Lollapalooza Makes Its Debut
Daytime temperatures hit 111 degrees, Nine Inch Nails played a one-and-a-half minute set and Jane's Addiction got into a fistfight on stage. It's July 18, 1991.
28 Years Ago: Jane’s Addiction Release Self-Titled Indie Debut
In the midst of the hair metal era, Jane's took to the Sunset Strip to record their live debut.
10 Years Ago: Nine Inch Nails Release ‘With Teeth’
NIN's fourth full length album captures Trent Reznor at a turning point.
Electric Mumfords? Bring It On
Mumford & Sons are following in some very big footsteps with their move from acoustic to electric. Here are four legends who came before them.
Apple Sours on Indie Labels
Format changes and "editorial discretion" slams the iTunes door for many indie labels.
The Roots of Indie: ‘Saturday Night Live’
It's a legendary moment for alternative music fans: December 17, 1977, Elvis Costello is scheduled to perform on Saturday Night Live.