Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Sports and the arts cannot stay above the fray as Vladimir Putin pursues his agenda of deadly aggression in Ukraine.
Read More »Ukraine War Immediately Impacts Cultural Life Worldwide, From Eurovision to Carnegie Hall, Champions League to Formula 1
Music
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 »Exclusive Interview: Conductor Gerard Schwarz on World Premiere of Michael Dellaira Opera ‘The Leopard’ (‘Il Gattopardo’) with Frost Opera and Symphony
The world-renowned conductor spoke with us about the upcoming world premiere, in which he leads student musicians and singers along with professionals.
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 »Concert Review (NYC): The Open Gates Project – C3: Countertenors, Continuo, and a Consort of Viols (11 February 2022)
The project devoted to diversity in early music presented not one, not two, but four countertenors of color in its second concert.
Read More »Music Review: Beth Hart – ‘A Tribute to Led Zeppelin’
One of our greatest blues-rock singers takes on the biggest songs by the blues-based hard rock legends and hits a home run.
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: Lise Davidsen and Leif Ove Andsnes – ‘Edvard Grieg’, and Shani Diluka – ‘The Proust Album’
The Norwegian soprano and pianist pay tribute to Norway's greatest composer, while Shani Diluka evokes Proust with an enchanting set of French music.
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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