Alternative Rock

1960 is not exactly considered a peak year for popular music, and there's no shortage of drivel in this collection, but there are also dozens of great songs from the likes of Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, and Ray Charles.

We can argue about the wisdom behind the decisions to induct—or not induct—various artists into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. What seems undebatable is whether its annual induction ceremonies have been musically memorable.

The Third Mind, a wonderfully anachronistic band whose music recalls the best of 1960s psychedelia, got off to a terrific start with its eponymous 2020 debut. Now they're out with their first live set.

Reviews: the Tasty Kings' obscure but excellent 'Native Tongue,' plus Dave Murphy and Massy Ferguson.

Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Post Malone, DIIV, and more top my list this year.

Nyro’s music was superb from the word go, thanks to her soulful mezzo vocal work, intimate and poetic lyrics, surprising rhythmic inventions, and unique blend of pop,  Motown, doo-wop, rock, folk, jazz, gospel, and R&B.

Harrison's 1973 album earned laudatory reviews, rose quickly to the top of the charts, and spawned a No. 1 single. Now it's out in several expanded 50th-anniversary editions.

Reviews: an expanded edition of Talking Heads:77, plus the Flatlanders, and more.

Less than two years after the release of the excellent four-CD The Songs of Bacharach & Costello, Elvis Costello has unveiled another major box set. Called King of America & Other Realms, it features 97 tracks on six CDs. (Casual fans and those with tight budgets can opt for a …

A box set takes a deep dive into the creation of David Bowie's 'Ziggy Stardust' LP. Plus reviews of a CD from Late Slip and reissued material from rockabilly artist Dursey Burnette and country swing king Bob Wills.