Penny Brazier

Articles by: Penny Brazier

A portrait of Jawbox in black and white, against a black background

"When we signed to a major, one guy wrote to tell us he hoped we died in a firey van accident": Your ultimate guide to every Jawbox album in the band's own words

By Penny Brazier published

J. Robbins takes us on a scuzzy, back-of-the-van tour through the Jawbox back catalogue, from their Dischord incubation up to the major label years

James Hetfield

Drugs, drink, and the damage done: are rock stars doomed to suffer?

By Penny Brazier last updated

As James Hetfield re-enters rehab, we ask if our heroes are destined to suffer as a side effect of their rock'n'roll lifestyles, or if things are changing for the better

scary metal cover art montage

Satan, death, mutilation and murder: why are heavy metal album covers so scary?

By Penny Brazier published

From the comic-book horror of Iron Maiden’s Eddie to black metal's bleak landscapes, heavy metal imagery sets out to shock and unnerve just as much as the music. Why do we get such a thrill from extreme sounds accompanied by horrifying pictures?

The Beatles

15 alternative Beatles covers that are better than the originals

By Penny Brazier published

Is there anything more controversial than saying you don’t totally love the Beatles? It’s ok, we can help you with that