Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
The Animals' long-out-of-print early LPs reappear in remastered, expanded editions.
Read More »Music Reviews: Expanded Reissues of the Animals’ First Four LPs, plus John Moreland, the SideMen, and Buffalo Romeo
Classic Rock
Music Reviews: Everly Brothers, Paul Kelly, Todd Sharpville, Matt Lomeo, Willi Carlisle, and the Local Honeys
An anthology showcases the Everly Brothers' rockabilly roots. Plus five more noteworthy new releases.
Read More »Music Blu-ray Review: The Beatles’ ‘Get Back’
The new film let you be a fly on the wall as the Beatles work through their issues, play with ideas, and develop material for "Let It Be," their last album.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘Heroes & Villains: The Sound of Los Angeles 1965–68,’ plus the Chantels, Hank Ballard, and Nat King Cole
A three-CD anthology mines the vibrant late-'60s L.A. rock scene. Plus, anthologies from the Chantels and Hank Ballard and previously unheard Nat King Cole.
Read More »Music Reviews: Frank Sinatra’s ‘Watertown,’ plus Frank Zappa, Peter Rowan, James Holvay, and Cowboy Junkies
Frank Sinatra's 'Watertown,' which garnered lukewarm sales and reviews more than 50 years ago, gets a well-deserved second chance in the spotlight.
Read More »Music Reviews: Rolling Stones’ ‘Licked Live in NYC,’ plus ‘Americana Railroad,’ Beach Boys’ ‘Sounds of Summer,’ ‘United Dreadlocks,’ and Paul Winter’s ‘Concert in the Barn’
The Stones issue a 2003 concert. Also, train-themed and reggae anthologies, Beach Boys hits, and a jazz concert at dawn.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Rolling Stones’ ‘El Mocambo 1977,’ plus Neurotic Outsiders, Railroad Earth, and Asleep at the Wheel
In 1977, the Stones took a break from huge venues to play a tiny club with memorable results.
Read More »Music Reviews: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Banditos, Bryan Ferry, Heidi Talbot, Zero, and May Erlewine
A half dozen noteworthy new CDs, including the Dirt Band's collection of Dylan covers and a potentially star-making third release from Banditos.
Read More »Music Reviews: John Fred, Caroline Spence, Abbie Gardner, the Muffs, Delbert McClinton, Abigail Lapell, and Marc Jordan & Amy Sky
A 1960s one-hit wonder, up-and-coming folksingers, a punk-rock reissue, and more new releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Crests’ ‘Sixteen Candles: The Definitive Collection’ plus Michael Weston King and My Darling Clementine
An anthology offers 51 trips to doo-wop heaven. Also: Michael Weston King's first solo outing in 10 years and Elvis Costello covers from My Darling Clementine.
Read More »