Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A new anthology features country rock pioneer Steve Young. Plus, reviews of CDs from Cat Stevens and Lightnin' Hopkins.
Read More »Music Reviews: Steve Young’s ‘Stars in the Southern Sky,’ plus Cat Stevens and Lightnin’ Hopkins
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Music Reviews: J.D. Souther’s Reissued ‘You’re Only Lonely,’ plus an Anthology from Blues Harp Master James Cotton
The title cut is not the only gem on the record, which also includes two other numbers that became singles and deserved to sell more copies than they did.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Rascals’ ‘Complete Atlantic Recordings,’ Johnny Cash’s ‘Songwriter,’ Nektar’s ‘Recycled,’ and More
Reviews of an exhaustive Rascals box, plus Johnny Cash, Nektar, and more.
Read More »Music Reviews: A ‘Girl Group’ Anthology, Grateful Dead’s Expanded ‘From the Mars Hotel,’ Frank Zappa & the Mothers’ ‘Whisky a Go Go 1968,’ and More
You’ll have to dig through a bit of fool’s gold to find it, but if you’re a fan of Joe Meek’s work and the so-called girl-group era, you will encounter some gems.
Read More »Music Reviews: David Bowie’s ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star!’ plus Late Slip, Dorsey Burnette, and Bob Wills
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.
Read More »Music Reviews: Robert Earl Keen, Skeeter Davis with NRBQ, Damon Fowler, and the Black Watch
Robert Earl Keen finds a sweet spot between Jesse Winchester and Jimmy Buffett and delivers some of the best material in his large and terrific catalog.
Read More »Music Reviews: Joe Grushecky and a Rolling Stones tribute, plus Lynne Hanson, Laurie Lewis, and Nat King Cole
Pittsburgh rocker Joe Grushecky has been getting a fresh shot at wider acclaim thanks to several releases on the Omnivore label.
Read More »Concert Review: The Knights – Gabriel Kahane’s ‘Heirloom’ (NY Premiere) with Jeffrey Kahane, Plus Anna Clyne, Jessie Montgomery, Mozart
There was a bit of an underground vibe in Zankel Hall, The contrast between Kahane's performance as a troubadour and his creative energy as a classical composer is striking.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Cryin’ Shames, plus Desmond Dekker, Delroy Wilson, Ken Boothe, Dr. John, and Cris Jacobs
Great music from the under-appreciated Cryin' Shames, plus reviews of reggae CDs, a Dr. John anthology, and more.
Read More »Music Review: ‘The Concrete Jangle’ from Steve Conte
Steve Conte's 'Concrete Jangle,' with an assist from Andy Partridge, is pure listening pleasure that can't help but bring a smile to your face and a thought to your brain.
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