Last week, news broke of Pitchfork's collapse, sending shockwaves through the music world. What was once the arbiter of cool, the platform that dared to slap a decimal point on art, lies dormant. For many, it feels like the final verse of an era.

Pitchfork's fall isn't just about one website. It's a stark reminder of the challenges facing music writing in the digital age. Algorithms curate our tastes, and the attention span of a goldfish dictates content. Gone are the days of in-depth analysis, passionate arguments, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems through meticulously crafted reviews.

But fear not, for in the hush left by Pitchfork's curtain closing, Mic-Check stands ready to amplify its voice. That’s why, this week, we're proud to announce the launch of our referral program. Share Mic-Check with your fellow music enthusiasts and unlock exclusive perks like monthly deep dives, curated playlists, and access to communities for the most dedicated music devotees.

Pitchfork may be gone, but music journalism lives on. Click here to read former Pitchfork senior staff writer Marc Hogan's commentary on their fall, and scroll down to learn more about our referral program.

Click here for a Spotify playlist with the songs mentioned in this newsletter.

BIGGEST Songs of the Week 📈

Ah, January – the cradle of pop comebacks. It's like the stars take a holiday siesta, and then bam! The first weeks of January shower us with pop stars making grand returns, teasing brand new albums, and dropping singles like confetti.