Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A 1960s one-hit wonder, up-and-coming folksingers, a punk-rock reissue, and more new releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: John Fred, Caroline Spence, Abbie Gardner, the Muffs, Delbert McClinton, Abigail Lapell, and Marc Jordan & Amy Sky
Alternative Rock
SXSW Music Festival 2022: Thursday, March 17
Danielle Ponder and Midlake were among the highlights on the fourth night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 in Austin, Texas on Thursday, March 17.
Read More »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 »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Wednesday, March 16
Nari and Horsegirl were among the highlights on the first night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 on Wednesday, March 16 in Austin, Texas.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Loud Family and Anton Barbeau, Son House, Bailey Bigger, and Bart Davenport
A parting shot from the Loud Family hits its mark. Also, a previously unheard concert from Delta blues legend Son House, and CDs from Bailey Bigger and Bart Davenport.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Tuesday, March 15
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 »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 »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 »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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