Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Glove and Le Ren were among the highlights on the first night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, March 15.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Tuesday, March 15
Music Genres
Concert Review (London): Trumpeter Paul Merkelo with the English Chamber Orchestra, 22 January 2022
The 18th century came alive as Merkelo and the venerable ECO performed Vivaldi, Handel and Tartini for a delighted audience at Cadogan Hall in London.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Monday, March 14
Gallus and Kishi Bashi were among the highlights on the first night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 on March 14.
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 »Concert Review (NYC): Beth Hart, Quinn Sullivan (2 March 2022)
Beth Hart has the stage presence and musical chops to keep her devoted following rapt, with onetime blues guitar wunderkind Quinn Sullivan contributing an energetic opening set.
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 »Concert Review: Austin Symphony Rumbles with the Jets and the Sharks
The Austin Symphony Orchestra performed a "Film With Orchestra" event, bringing live music to the film 'West Side Story'.
Read More »Ukraine War Immediately Impacts Cultural Life Worldwide, From Eurovision to Carnegie Hall, Champions League to Formula 1
Sports and the arts cannot stay above the fray as Vladimir Putin pursues his agenda of deadly aggression in Ukraine.
Read More »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.
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