Louder: How to Handle the Hate in America’s Musical Heritage

Plus: Tom Petty, David Byrne, Stevie Wonder and More

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story October 16, 2020 By Caryn Ganz Pop Music Editor For 16 years, the archival label Dust-to-Digital’s founders worked on a companion to Harry Smith’s landmark “Anthology of American Folk Music,” which included singles released between 1926 and 1934. They were done with their set, “The Harry Smith B-Sides,” when they listened with fresh ears and realized they would be releasing three racist songs. Deciding what to do with them sparked questions, including a biggie: Was the purpose of their project historical accuracy or entertainment? Grayson Haver Currin writes about their choice. Lindsay Zoladz dug into “Wildflowers & All the Rest,” a new collection that charts the writing and recording of Tom Petty’s 1994 solo album and reveals much about his songwriting process and mind-set at the time. Julie Bloom talked to David Byrne and Spike Lee about the making of the filmed version of the musician’s fantastic stage show. Jon Pareles got a rare interview with the electronic duo Autechre. And the Culture desk put together a huge package about the 50th anniversary of PBS that made me revisit Melena Ryzik’s amazing “Sesame Street” and music piece. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Katty Huertas How to Handle the Hate in America’s Musical Heritage A companion to the “Anthology of American Folk Music” had already been pressed when Lance and April Ledbetter realized they couldn’t live with releasing racist songs. By Grayson Haver Currin THE CRITICS Ron Bull/Toronto Star, via Getty Images   Critic’s Notebook The Raw Roots of Tom Petty’s ‘Wildflowers,’ Revealed at Last A deluxe edition of his blockbuster 1994 solo album spotlights the musician’s creative process, and the mind-set of a man at a crossroads. By Lindsay Zoladz Kevin Winter/Getty Images   The Playlist Stevie Wonder Demands Justice, and 12 More New Songs Hear tracks by Demi Lovato, Lana Del Rey, Kristeen Young featuring David Bowie and others. By Jon Pareles, Giovanni Russonello and Lindsay Zoladz PROFILES Open Mike Eagle Turned a Very Bad Year Into a Very Honest Album The 39-year-old indie rapper’s therapist told him, “Write your feelings.” So he did, on the new LP “Anime, Trauma and Divorce.” By David Peisner Autechre Worked in Isolation for Decades. Now It’s Unintentionally Timely. In a rare interview, the British duo discuss the making of “SIGN” and infusing electronic music with a full spectrum of emotions. By Jon Pareles Sharing an Intimate Musical Vision Sarah Hennies’s highly personal explorations of “queer and trans identity, love, intimacy and psychoacoustics” are increasingly played by others. By Steve Smith Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT ‘AMERICAN UTOPIA’ David Lee/HBO   When David Byrne Got Together With Spike Lee The creative forces behind the new movie “American Utopia” were in search of a sense of connection and community even before the pandemic. By Julie Bloom David Lee/HBO   Critic’s Pick ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Review: Opening a Wide, Wonderful World Spike Lee joins forces with David Byrne for a joyous concert movie that rocks and delights, sending you high and then higher. By Manohla Dargis TV & ARCHITECTURE Paul Child/Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University   Why We Turned to PBS: 50 Reasons Over 50 Years Over the past five decades, we have invited Monty Python, Julia Child, Barney, William F. Buckley Jr. and Carl Sagan into our living rooms. Sound eclectic? It’s called the Public Broadcasting Service. Getty Images and The New York Times   Critic’s Notebook The East Village, Home of Punks and Poets: Here’s a Tour Luc Sante, author of “Low Life,” chats about the neighborhood’s history, including CBGB, Warhol’s Electric Circus and the Tompkins Square Park riots. By Michael Kimmelman NEWS The Concerts Were Canceled Months Ago. So Where Are the Refunds? As fans await money for called-off shows at the Nassau Coliseum, officials say they are the responsibility of the company run by a Russian oligarch who had operated the venue. By Ben Sisario ‘Jagged Little Pill’ and ‘Slave Play’ Lead 2020 Tony Nominations In a Broadway season cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, jukebox musicals and plays about race are recognized. By Michael Paulson BTS Management’s Stock Has a Lively First Day of Trading Shares in Big Hit, the company behind the K-pop phenomenon, opened at more than double the offering price, then jumped 30 percent in early trading before finishing down on the day. By Ben Dooley BTS’s Loyal Army of Fans Is the Secret Weapon Behind a $4 Billion Valuation What investors are really paying for is not necessarily the K-pop group or its management company, but its huge, highly connected ecosystem of followers. By Ben Dooley and Su-Hyun Lee Broadway Will Be a While. These Venues Say They’re Ready Now. Directors of large flexible spaces like the Park Avenue Armory are lobbying for permission to put on indoor shows for socially distanced audiences. By Michael Paulson Without Live Music to Play, Pearl Jam Reimagines Rock Activism in 2020 The pandemic has grounded rock tours and left clubs empty. So Pearl Jam is turning to the tools of modern politics to get out the vote. By Nick Corasaniti the charts 21 Savage Hits No. 1, With an Assist From Morgan Freeman The rapper’s “Savage Mode II,” with the producer Metro Boomin, features Hollywood-style narration from Freeman’s voice-of-God baritone. By Ben Sisario Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT FILM critic’s pick ‘White Riot’ Review: When Punk’s Stars Banded Against Racism Rubika Shah’s documentary about the British organization Rock Against Racism is a compelling depiction of political organizing in the 1970s. By Glenn Kenny ‘Clouds’ Review: A Farewell Through Song This tear-jerking biopic looks back at the life of Zach Sobiech, a teenage musician who died of a rare bone cancer in 2013. By Amy Nicholson ‘Blackpink: Light Up the Sky’ Review: Glowing Young Superstars The idolized K-pop girl group takes center stage in this endearing documentary that emphasizes each member’s individuality. By Natalia Winkelman ‘Freedia Got a Gun’ Review: A Musician Makes a Call to Action In this documentary, the performer Big Freedia tackles the epidemic of gun violence in New Orleans. By Kyle Turner FROM OPINION The New York Times   Megan Thee Stallion: Why I Speak Up for Black Women I’m not afraid of criticism, and “Protect Black women” should not be controversial. By Megan Thee Stallion Make a friend’s day: Forward this email! Get this from a friend? Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter @nytimesmusic. Send your feedback on Louder at theplaylist@nytimes.com. Check out our full range of newsletters. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Louder from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018