Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
In a 2001 concert, the Knack's members revisit their glory days. Also, reviews of three more noteworthy releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Knack’s ‘Live at the House of Blues,’ plus Ann Peebles, Barney Bentall, and Steven Casper
Classic Rock
Music Reviews: Mark Knopfler’s ‘The Studio Albums 1996–2007,’ plus Jesper Lindell’s ‘Twilights’
A box set collects the first five solo albums from Dire Straits' leader and Jesper Lindell hits a home run with his sophomore release.
Read More »Music Reviews: Willy DeVille’s ‘Venus of the Docks: Live in Bremen 2008,’ plus Erika Lewis, Michelle Malone, and Stew Cutler
A live set from Willy DeVille embraces punk, doo-wop, Cajun, and Latin music.
Read More »Music Reviews: Scott McCarl’s ‘Play On,’ plus Surrender Hill, Jose Ramirez, and the Waymores
Power pop from a former member of the Raspberries plus two country-flavored duos and a blues guitar prodigy.
Read More »Music Reviews: Elliott Murphy with Olivier Durand, plus the Troggs, Kate Klim, and Terry Klein
A great live set from an underappreciated artist, a reissue from a British Invasion group, and a pair of noteworthy folk/rock releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Left Banke, ‘The Beatles and India,’ Peter Tosh, the HawtThorns, and April March
Previously unheard baroque rock gems from the group that gave us the classic "Walk Away Renee." Also: a great reggae concert, Beatles covers by Indian artists, and more.
Read More »Music Reviews: Lucinda Williams and John Sebastian, Plus Marshall Crenshaw, Wild Rivers, Michael Veitch, and Kate MacLeod
Lucinda Williams covers Rolling Stones and Christmas songs, and John Sebastian revisits the Spoonful songbook. Plus four more new releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: Janis Ian, Hollywood Flames, Whitmore Sisters, Julie Christensen, and more
Janis Ian's latest could be her best—and her last. Plus, overlooked doo-wop, a fine sister duo, an excellent tribute to Kevin Gordon, and more.
Read More »Charlie Doherty’s Top Songs and Albums of 2021
A brief but varied list of favorites of 2021 that includes Neil Young, SZA, Jesse Malin, Julien Baker, War on Drugs, and more.
Read More »Music Interview: Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian
The Lovin’ Spoonful cofounder, who composed some of the greatest hit singles of the 1960s, talks about his childhood, his songwriting, the Woodstock festival, his new album, and more.
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