Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Pillow Queens and Flora & Fawna were among the highlights on the last two days of SXSW Music Festival 2022 in Austin, Texas on Friday and Saturday, March 18-19.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Friday-Saturday, March 18-19
Folk
Music Reviews: Mary Gauthier, John Coltrane, Charlie Musselwhite, Edie Carey, Michael McDermott, and Laney Jones
Mary Gauthier arrives at a hopeful place, plus an anniversary edition of a classic John Coltrane CD and more new releases.
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 Interview: Steve Forbert
The singer-songwriter talks about his nearly half-century career, his new album, his influences, and more.
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 »Music Reviews: The Knack’s ‘Live at the House of Blues,’ plus Ann Peebles, Barney Bentall, and Steven Casper
In a 2001 concert, the Knack's members revisit their glory days. Also, reviews of three more noteworthy releases.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Thursday, March 17
Danielle Ponder and Midlake were among the highlights on the fourth night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 in Austin, Texas on Thursday, March 17.
Read More »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.
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