Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
'Becoming Kerouac' by Paul Maher Jr. offers a vivid depiction of the “tortured artist” archetype, both its creative power and its personal cost.
Read More »Book Review: ‘Becoming Kerouac’ by Paul Maher Jr.
Biography
Graphic Novel Review: ‘Do Admit’ by Mimi Pond from Drawn+Quarterly
'Do Admit: The Mitford Sisters and Me' by Mimi Pond tackles an enormous project in telling not just one biography but seven.
Read More »Book & Music Reviews: ‘Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run,’ plus Reggae from the Mighty Rootsmen and the Kingston Lions
At one point Springsteen’s finances were so depleted that he couldn’t afford to hire the musicians he needed for the album...
Read More »Book & Music Reviews: A Biography of Joe Meek, England’s Counterpart to Phil Spector; plus Bobby Lee Trammell, the Rain Parade, and Brian Wilson
As Darryl W. Bullock writes in 'Love and Fury: The Life, Death and Legacy of Joe Meek,' the producer was a “pioneer, genius, maniac, naif…all of those things…and more.”
Read More »Book & Music Reviews: ‘Decade of Dissent: How 1960s Bob Dylan Changed the World,’ plus the Bongos & Robert Forster
Can there really be anything more to say about Bob Dylan and his music? As it turns out, the answer is a qualified yes. Just don’t hold your breath awaiting major revelations.
Read More »Graphic Biography Review: ‘Audrey Hepburn’ by Botton and Giacchetto from NBM
'Audrey Hepburn' by Botton and Giacchetto, will surprise even Hepburn enthusiasts with what new angles it reveals of her life.
Read More »Music and Book Reviews: A Joe Meek Anthology, an Arthur Lee/Love Biography, and a Double Dose of Michael McDermott
Reviews: An anthology of tracks produced by Joe Meek, a biography of Arthur Lee & Love, and new music from Michael McDermott.
Read More »Music and Book Reviews: Wonder Women of Country, plus Thee Sinseers, Matt Blake, Pete Ham, and Eddie Hinton
Texas-based trio Wonder Women of Country consists of longtime alt-country artist Kelly Willis; Melissa Carper, whose excellent 'Ramblin’ Soul' appeared in 2022; and Brennen Leigh.
Read More »Book and Music Reviews: ‘Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine,’ plus the Third Mind, Robert Rex Waller Jr., and Luke LeBlanc
'Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine' is a terrific new book that contains previously unseen writings, drawings, handwritten lyrics, photos, and essays.
Read More »Book Review: ‘Leon Russell’ by Bill Janovitz – Illuminating One of Rock’s Most Elusive Icons
The first biography of the brilliant but elusive pianist, songwriter, musician's musician, and onetime rock star is a deep dive into Leon Russell's life, times and music.
Read More »