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Paywalled FT piece teases a global scam industry investigation, but the provided text only shows subscription prompts and a headline; no full article details are included.

Pitchfork reviews Zach Bryan's sprawling 25-song LP With Heaven on Top, released in both full-band and acoustic editions that run over two hours. The studio version deploys horns, backing vocals, and big beats to create stadium-scale anthems, while the acoustic version foregrounds intimacy; the lush production helps many songs, though the album’s length and some tonal detours slow its path toward mainstream breakout, signaling Bryan’s move toward painting on a larger canvas.

Pitchfork's list of the 100 best songs of 2024 highlights the emergence of new pop artists, the return of established favorites, and genre-blending hits across rap, country, and jazz. The list features diverse tracks, from Church Chords' psychedelic sounds to NLE Choppa's explicit anthems, showcasing the year's musical innovations and cultural impact.

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell discusses his latest album "Weathervanes" and his approach to songwriting, which explores themes of love, death, and personal experiences. Isbell's music, often labeled as country-adjacent, resonates with listeners due to its urgent and present nature. He is known for his progressive political views and uses his platform to tell his story and challenge closed-mindedness. Isbell aims to open doors for people and prompt them to reconsider their assumptions and biases. He values authenticity in songwriting and believes that good songs written from a place of truth are the only worthwhile definition of "authentic." Isbell also discusses the changing landscape of country music and his preference for smaller venues where he can create a diverse and inclusive space for artists to open for him.
Shucked, a new original Broadway musical, is a campy, corny nod to past favorites with a parable about a small rural town in the midwest. The music is decidedly show tune with occasional twangy pronunciations and melodies that recall modern country pop. The cast's comedic timing is near universally excellent, though the humor is base-aiming. The marketing campaign has kept details deliberately vague, emphasizing the show's corniness and country motif.