“Zinging references and insults and sharing ideas back and forth over Twitter enables me to flex some brain-muscles, while it certainly enables others to atrophy. I think it’s changed my brain for better and worse.” Emily Gould talked with Full Stop.

This week brings news of  a new Swans album and an upcoming Michael Gira solo tour.

Jerry Stahl was interviewed at The Rumpus.

Notes on a compilation of music recorded by Alan Lomax in Michigan in 1938.

Wendy C. Ortiz’s “Mudhoney” is the best essay you’re likely to read about mudwrestling this year — and one of the all-around best, too.

Also in the realm of fantastic essays: this one from Jessica Hopper.

Tin House checked in with Alexander Maksik.

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