Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
In a 2001 concert, the Knack's members revisit their glory days. Also, reviews of three more noteworthy releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Knack’s ‘Live at the House of Blues,’ plus Ann Peebles, Barney Bentall, and Steven Casper
R&B
Music Reviews: Willy DeVille’s ‘Venus of the Docks: Live in Bremen 2008,’ plus Erika Lewis, Michelle Malone, and Stew Cutler
A live set from Willy DeVille embraces punk, doo-wop, Cajun, and Latin music.
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: 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.
Read More »Music Reviews: Alan Freed’s Radio Shows, Eliza Gilkyson, Mickey & Sylvia, and Grant Dermody & Frank Fotusky
A taste of Freed's historic rock radio broadcasts, Gilkyson's best album, an anthology from Mickey & Sylvia, and acoustic blues from Dermody & Fotusky.
Read More »Music Reviews: Cat Stevens, Lucinda Williams, and Joe Grushecky
A big-box edition of a Cat Stevens bestseller, four volumes of great covers by Lucinda Williams, and Joe Grushecky's collaboration with Bruce Springsteen.
Read More »Music Reviews: David Crosby, plus Steve Goodman, People Years, John DeNicola, and a Landslide Records Anthology
An expanded reissue offers a second chance to appreciate David Crosby's critically derided solo debut, which was also his last album under his own name for 18 years.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘Next Stop Is Vietnam,’ plus Kinky Friedman and Billy Joe Shaver
This is one of the most comprehensive and imaginatively assembled box sets ever released on any subject.
Read More »Music Reviews: Ruth Brown, Laura Nyro, Dori Freeman, James McMurtry, Al Ross & the Planets, Bren Holmes, and Chillingsworth Surfingham
An anthology from R&B queen Ruth Brown, Laura Nyro at age 18, a Dori Freeman gem, and more new releases you ought to hear.
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