From Sun Ra to Daft Punk, aliens from distant worlds have given us some dope music. We look at

Music from Space

Intergalactic sounds for space kids

Pleiades Man: Seven Sisters of Love

Glen Matlock & The Maestros Punk & Roll Power

Glen Matlock & The Maestros: Punk Spirit, Rock & Roll Soul

Glen Matlock was the architect of punk’s sound. As the original bassist and songwriter for the Sex Pistols, he laid the foundation for the band’s razor-sharp energy before getting unceremoniously booted in classic punk fashion. But Matlock never looked back, carving out a career that proved his musical instincts were sharp. Now, with The Maestros, he’s assembling a powerhouse lineup that bridges generations of rock & roll rebellion.

The Maestros bring together serious talent. Steve Fishman (a bassist with credits from Paul McCartney to Blondie), Gilby Clarke (former Guns N’ Roses guitarist with a deep rock pedigree), and Clem Burke (Blondie’s legendary drummer) round out a group with pedigree and raw musical chemistry. This isn’t just another punk nostalgia act—it’s a band of seasoned musicians who know how to balance attitude with musicianship.

Matlock has always had a knack for melody, something that set the Pistols apart from their more primitive contemporaries. With The Maestros, that gift shines through. Their sound fuses the bite of classic punk with a swaggering rock & roll groove, leaning into blues, glam, and even touches of soul. It’s a reminder that punk was about reinvention as much as rebellion.

Beyond his punk roots, Matlock’s career has been impressively varied. He played alongside Iggy Pop, bringing his signature bass work to the Godfather of Punk’s raw energy. His tenure with The Faces further cemented his status as a rock & roll lifer, stepping into the shoes of legends and proving he could hold his own in any musical setting. Whether driving Iggy’s primal force or tapping into The Faces’ bluesy swagger, Matlock’s versatility has kept him in the game for decades.

Live, they deliver exactly what you’d expect: grit, style, and hooks sharp enough to leave a mark. Matlock leads with the confidence of someone who’s seen it all but still plays like he has something to prove. Burke’s drumming is as punchy as ever, Clarke lays down riffs with effortless cool, and Fishman’s bass ties it all together with precision.

Some call it punk & roll, call it whatever you want. .

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Sun Ra: Transmissions from Space

NEU! Krautrock Giants

NEU!: The Masters of the Motorik Beat

NEU! distilled Krautrock to its essence. The duo of Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger pioneered the relentless motorik beat, a hypnotic 4/4 rhythm that became the backbone of their sound. Their self-titled albums, particularly NEU! 75, showcased a stripped-down yet powerful vision that would go on to influence artists like David Bowie, Stereolab, and modern post-rock bands. NEU!’s minimalist approach proved that repetition could be revolutionary.

Though their time was brief, their impact was lasting. The motorik rhythm became a staple of experimental rock, post-punk, and even electronic music. Bands like Sonic Youth to Radiohead owed a debt to NEU!’s precise yet organic drive. If Kraftwerk imagined a robotic future, NEU! captured the pulse of a world in constant motion.

These four acts shattered boundaries and redefined what music could be. Krautrock never died—it just evolved, its influence still rippling through the sounds of today.

IDLES: Express Training

IDLES: The Band That Shook British Rock

IDLES bring an energy that’s raw, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore. Their music is loud, messy, and real, blending punk attitude with a sense of purpose.

Their sound is all grit—distorted guitars, pounding drums, and deep, driving bass. Joe Talbot delivers lyrics about toxic masculinity, class struggle, and self-love with urgency and conviction. It’s punk that challenges but also uplifts.

Live, IDLES are something else. Talbot commands the stage, Mark Bowen often plays in his underwear, and the crowd responds with unrestrained energy. It’s chaotic, cathartic, and unforgettable.

Their albums show their evolution. Brutalism (2017) is raw and relentless. Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018) adds emotion and depth. Ultra Mono (2020) is bold and direct. CRAWLER (2021) takes a darker, more introspective turn.

IDLES prove that rock can still be passionate and authentic. In a time of detachment, they bring sincerity and intensity. Punk isn’t just about rebellion—it’s about connection.

So turn it up and dive in. IDLES aren’t just a band; they’re an experience.

Kim Gordon: Eternal youth

Still Defying Expectations. Kim Gordon has never followed the rules. As a founding member of Sonic Youth, she helped redefine alternative music with noise, art-rock, and an uncompromising vision. Her basslines and detached vocals became a signature of a band that shaped indie rock, influencing generations of musicians. Sonic Youth’s fearless experimentation blurred the lines between punk, avant-garde, and grunge, making them one of the most vital acts of the late 20th century.

Before Sonic Youth, Gordon was deeply immersed in New York’s No Wave scene—a chaotic, anti-commercial movement that rejected rock clichés in favor of raw noise and deconstruction. Bands like DNA, Mars, and Teenage Jesus and the Jerks tore apart traditional structures, and Gordon absorbed that energy, channeling it into Sonic Youth’s early work. The jagged, abrasive textures of No Wave became part of her musical DNA, shaping the band’s sound and her own artistic approach.

Since Sonic Youth’s 2011 split, Gordon has remained a creative force—exploring visual art, fashion, and writing, always finding new ways to challenge expectations. Her 2015 memoir, Girl in a Band, gave an unfiltered look at her life in music and beyond, solidifying her as not just a performer but a cultural icon.

Her solo career has been just as bold. Her 2019 debut No Home Record was jagged and industrial, filled with tension and experimentation, rejecting nostalgia in favor of pushing forward. 2024’s The Collective takes that even further, blending distorted beats, warped guitars, and her signature deadpan delivery, turning social critique into raw soundscapes. Tracks like “BYE BYE” and “I’m A Man” are fragmented yet hypnotic, challenging the listener with every pulse and glitch. She’s embraced noise and abstraction in a way few artists at her level dare to.

Her relentless innovation earned her a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, a rare mainstream nod for someone who has spent a career dismantling conventions. It’s a recognition that feels almost ironic—an establishment accolade for an artist who has built a legacy on defying establishment norms. But if anything, it proves how deeply her influence runs.

At 70, Gordon isn’t looking back—she’s still evolving, still challenging, and still proving that true artistry has no expiration date. Whether through music, visual art, or cultural commentary, she remains one of the most vital and uncompromising voices in alternative culture. For those who think rock has lost its edge, Kim Gordon is here to remind us that rebellion doesn’t age—it just gets sharper.

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