Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A live set from Willy DeVille embraces punk, doo-wop, Cajun, and Latin music.
Read More »Music Reviews: Willy DeVille’s ‘Venus of the Docks: Live in Bremen 2008,’ plus Erika Lewis, Michelle Malone, and Stew Cutler
Country and Americana
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: The Loud Family and Anton Barbeau, Son House, Bailey Bigger, and Bart Davenport
A parting shot from the Loud Family hits its mark. Also, a previously unheard concert from Delta blues legend Son House, and CDs from Bailey Bigger and Bart Davenport.
Read More »Music Reviews: Ian Noe and Duke Robillard, plus Genevieve Racette and Jefferson Ross
Noe's fine sophomore album recalls John Prine. Blues guitarist Robillard, whose career has spanned more than half a century, serves up 18 high-energy tracks.
Read More »Music Reviews: Judy Collins’s ‘Spellbound’ and Natalie Cole’s ‘Unforgettable,’ plus Tone of Voice Orchestra, the Lied To’s, and Back pOrchEstra
Collins's 55th album is also the first to consist entirely of self-penned material. Also: a reissue of Cole's tribute to her father's music and new releases from three up-and-coming acts.
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: Charley Patton, Jesse Correll, Mike Zito, Amy Jay, the Pine Hearts, and Joan Osborne
Six new releases, everything from vintage blues to introspective folk-rock.
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.
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