Say It’s Your Birthday

15 years ago today, Beirut released The Rip Tide. Sharon Van Etten alert! Read our review of Beirut’s essential No No

Happy birthday Anton Newcombe (Brian Jonestown Massacre). Take it from the man! Photo for MAGNET by Dennis Kleiman. Watch our

60 years ago today, the Beatles played their last concert, at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Last song performed: a cover

20 years ago today, Bob Dylan released Modern Times. Love and theft. Watch our MAGNET television episode with Robyn Hitchcock,

Happy birthday Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins). Milk and kisses. Photo for MAGNET by Wes Orshoski. Read our review of the

20 years ago today, Pete Yorn released Nightcrawler. This day is alive. Watch our MAGNET television episode with Pete, and

Happy birthday Sterling Morrison (Velvet Underground). What goes on? Read Richard Hawley in MAGNET on Morrison, Moe Tucker and the

20 years ago today, the Roots released Game Theory. Long time. Read our review of the 2025 Roots Picnic: Live

Happy birthday Charlie Parker. Thriving from a riff. Read our Vintage Movies review of Bird: Vintage Movies: “Bird”

45 years ago today, Ian Hunter released Short Back ’N’ Sides. Mick Ronson! Half the Clash! Todd Rundgren! Ellen Foley!

Happy birthday Mick Harvey (Nick Cave, Birthday Party). Birthday party for the bad seed next door. Read our feature on

15 years ago today, the Nightwatchman released World Wide Rebel Songs. Out go the lights. Read Garbage in MAGNET on

Happy birthday John Andrew Fredrick (Black Watch). 67 years of obscurity. Watch our MAGNET television episode with him: MAGNET Television:

20 years ago today, Gwar released Beyond Hell. Jitler, Jewcifer and the Nazi Pope walk into a bar … GWAR

Happy birthday Meshell Ndegeocello. Comfort, woman. Photo for MAGNET by Chris Sikich. Read our live review from 2018: Live Review:

20 years ago today, Motörhead released Kiss Of Death. Living in the past. Read our live review from one of

Happy birthday Diamanda Galás. Let’s not chat about despair. Read our review of 2017’s essential All The Way and At

20 years ago today, Ray LaMontagne released Till The Sun Turns Black. Be here now.

Happy 70th birthday GG Allin. R.I.P. Always was, is and always shall be.

Happy birthday Michael Jackson. Remember the time. Read Butch Walker in MAGNET on the King Of Pop: From The Desk

25 years ago today, Sparklehorse released It’s A Wonderful Life. Tom Waits! PJ Harvey! Adrian Utley! Nina Persson! Dave Fridmann!

Happy 40th birthday Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine). All this and heavens, too. Photo for MAGNET by Chris Sikich.

20 years ago today, Charlotte Gainsbourg released 5:55. The songs that she sings. Read our feature on her: Charlotte Gainsbourg: