By Ethan Goddard One of my most anticipated albums of 2026 (so far) was released last month – “Xiu Mutha F**kin’ Xiu (Vol. One)” by Xiu Xiu. For those of you unfamiliar , Xiu Xiu is an experimental rock group originally based out of California that’s known for their musical experimentation and brutally vulnerable lyricism.... Continue Reading →

By Duane Davis, Supreme Arbiter of Taste The first Mekons record I heard was 1978's, “Where Were You?”, a 7" single on UK indie label, Fast Product. I was already late to the party as this was the band's second single, their “Never Been In A Riot” 7" having been released earlier in the same... Continue Reading →

By Daisy Spinelli Working in a record store means that you’re constantly reminded of love. From the many first dates nervously feeling out music tastes, to the old timers picking up classic rock records and announcing, “I’ve loved this album for decades,” to a fellow staffer proclaiming their undying love for noise rock. I even... Continue Reading →

By Pete Stidman More than once I’ve heard someone question aloud why this band or that band is this or that section in the store, and sometimes I even agree with them and move things around. Overall though, genre is a very subjective thing. Every record store owner in the country is faced with the... Continue Reading →

By Ethan Goddard Every once in a while, we get lucky and see an artist pull off the impossible – meeting the expectations of a highly anticipated release. After eight years of stop-and-go promotion A$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb is out and while I’m not disappointed, it’s also not a jaw dropper.    I was skeptical... Continue Reading →

By Oscar Gallup (guest contributor) Back on New Year's Day 2025, I resolved to listen to 300 LPs that I'd never heard by the end of the year. As it goes, most of my other resolutions were abandoned, but I was determined to see this one through. One year and many many albums later, I... Continue Reading →

Best of Denver local music 2025 By Duane Davis, Supreme Arbiter of Taste If you want to understand Denver in 2025, don’t bother looking at real estate prices or whatever fresh civic disaster is unfolding up and down Colfax. Listen to the bands. This city is a pressure cooker disguised as a postcard, and the... Continue Reading →

By Ethan Goddard Every January, music fans speculate about who might be putting out new music over the course of the year. And while some are built over false hope (I’m talking to you Frank Ocean fans… let it go), some artists promote their forthcoming projects months, even years, before they release. So instead of... Continue Reading →

By Wax Trax Staff 2025 is officially over. To celebrate making it to the next quarter-century (all our cigarettes and beer haven’t killed us yet), some staff compiled their list of the year’s best music and music experiences. Read their picks below for their takes on 2025’s best album, single, reissued vinyl, album art, show,... Continue Reading →

By Jess Peterson Got some records for Christmas, but nothing to play them on? Maybe a bit of green from granny and grandpa? Has your post-holiday indulgence restriction not kicked in yet? Want some playful hi-fi equipment for yourself because you’re pushing an age you’re uncomfortable with and all everyone gave you this Christmas was... Continue Reading →