Music Columns

Asian folk music and 20th century history inform this collection of modern classical works for Western strings and the Chinese lute called the pipa.

Neil Young's rabble-rousing protest rock; Wilco's free, beautiful noise; and The Stones' dress rehearsal for Altamont.

When the songwriting and his melodic and vocal talents click, they click securely, and sailing through the whole set is Rodriguez's fine voice, a pleasure to listen to whatever he's singing about.

The Who LIve At Shea Stadium 1982 comes as an unexpected surprise from a much maligned era, and is a keeper to boot.

Two recent releases from bassist-bandleaders show how jazz continues to thrive in the most disparate of musical "cultures," even with its relatively small, specialized audience.

Plus Gregg Allman, JD Souther, Mick Jones, Indigo Girls and more.

Gary McFarland, the jazz musician, composer and arranger who 'should have been a pop star,' left behind and eclectic discography and a wealth of superb material that deserves just such a tribute as this.

Chunky grooves, spidery guitar, and homespun philosophy fuel the aptly named 'Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues,' the latest and best-yet release from Reverend Freakchild.

Plus Adam Lambert, The Who, Smash Mouth, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Esperanza Spalding, The Kentucky Headhunters, Nashville Pu$$y and more.

The Rockologist is back from the dead, with a fresh batch of new music for your consideration.