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
Folk
Music Reviews: Rain Perry’s ‘A White Album,’ Bobby Cole’s ‘A Point of View,’ Giulia Millanta’s ‘Woman on the Moon,’ and Ronnie Earl’s ‘Mercy Me’
A musical response to racism, an overlooked jazz singer, a blues guitar set, and an emotional folk-rock journey.
Read More »Concert Review (NYC): ‘Midnight Magic,’ Mirror Visions Ensemble’s Brilliant Return to the Concert Stage
The vocal ensemble returns with a thrilling cabaret-style concert of art songs from Mozart to Sondheim to the present day.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Wednesday, March 16
Nari and Horsegirl were among the highlights on the first night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 on Wednesday, March 16 in Austin, Texas.
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: 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: 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: 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.
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