Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
From David Haerle's sophomore album 'Death Valley' we premiere the video for 'Ms. Bell,' a thoughtful track about the choices not taken.
Read More »Music Video Premiere: David Haerle – ‘Ms. Bell’ Looks at a Different Life
Folk
Music Reviews: Garage Rock Band The Choir’s Unexpected Second Act, Plus Laura Cortese, Crystal Shawanda, Siren Songs
The Choir, a Cleveland garage rock band, make an unexpected comeback after half a century. Plus new releases from Laura Cortese, Crystal Shawanda, and Siren Songs.
Read More »Music Reviews: Lucinda Williams, Mark Olson & Ingunn Ringvold, and an Alan Lomax Anthology
Lucinda Williams breaks new ground on her latest studio album. Plus, a gem from Mark Olson & Ingunn Ringvold, and an anthology from the vast Alan Lomax archives.
Read More »Song Premiere: Elisa Peimer – ‘I’m Gonna Start’
We premiere 'I'm Gonna Start,' the leadoff single from 'Navigator,' the first release in four years from pop-folk singer-songwriter Elisa Peimer.
Read More »Album Reviews: Special Consensus, John Stewart, the Nighthawks
Special Consensus celebrates Chicago's links to bluegrass. Plus, early John Stewart and a new Nighthawks CD.
Read More »Music Reviews: Whitney Rose Triumphs, Plus Willie Nile, Pharis & Jason Romero, America
Whitney Rose shows off her rock sensibility on a terrific new album. Plus, new releases from Willie Nile, Pharis & Jason Romero, America
Read More »Music Reviews: The Animals’ Second Act, Plus New Gordon Lightfoot
An anthology covers the Animals' psychedelic years, plus Gordon Lightfoot's first new studio album since 2004.
Read More »Music Reviews: Rod Stewart, Ben Bostick, and a ‘Proto-Psychedelic’ Anthology
Rod Stewart is the latest artist to team up with the Royal Philharmonic. Plus, folkie Ben Bostick and a collection of British psychedelia from 1966.
Read More »Music Reviews: Steve Goodman, David Bromberg, Western Centuries, Rory Block
An early, previously unreleased concert from Steve Goodman, plus noteworthy CDs from David Bromberg, Western Centuries, and Rory Block.
Read More »Music Reviews: A Final Word from Game Theory, Plus Matt Wilson, David Nail, Eliza Gilkyson, Lisa Mills
Previously unreleased material underscores the excellence of Game Theory, a 1980s alt-rock group. Plus, Matt Wilson, David Nail, Eliza Gilkyson, Lisa Mills.
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