Van Morrison’s new album—his 42nd studio LP and his eighth record in the last five years—includes a song called “Where Have All the Rebels Gone?” A more pertinent question might be, “Where has Van Morrison gone?” The answer, it seems, is to some strange and at times barely recognizable place. The …
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Music Reviews: An Alligator Records Anthology and Tim Buckley Live plus Johnny Ace and the Four Tunes
An independent blues label showcases highlights from its first half-century. Also, a live set from the late, great Tim Buckley and anthologies from two early vocal acts.
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Possibly the best album of Muldaur's six-decade career and four more releases you should hear.
Read More »Music Reviews: Big Band Blues and Jazz from Swingadelic, Jim Waller Big Band, Ian Charleton Big Band
Three recent albums are muscling the big band jazz tradition into the new decade, each in its own way.
Read More »Music Reviews: New Treasures from Bob Dylan’s Vaults, Plus More Notable Releases
A new collection serves up previously unreleased Bob Dylan material from 1970. Plus, New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers, Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno, and 3 Pairs of Boots.
Read More »Charlie Doherty’s Top 50 Releases of 2020 (Phantogram, Nils Lofgren, Hum, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and More)
My annual list of personal favorite studio albums, EPs, live releases, and box sets.
Read More »Music Reviews: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Letter to You,’ Plus Jimmie Vaughan’s ‘The Pleasure’s All Mine’
Springsteen looks backward on his uneven but frequently enthralling 20th studio album. Plus, a fine blues reissue from Jimmie Vaughan.
Read More »Music Reviews: 50th Anniversary Releases Celebrate Grateful Dead’s ‘American Beauty,’ Plus Duke Robillard and Jesse Colin Young
The Grateful Dead's 'American Beauty' reappears with a bonus concert and a companion release offers outtakes and demos. Plus, Jesse Colin Young and Duke Robillard.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘The Harry Smith B-Sides’ and a Bee Gees Live Collection, Plus Johnny Nicholas and Flamin’ Groovies
An anthology of early American folk, country, blues, and gospel answers an obvious question that no one previously asked. Plus, Bee Gees, Johnny Nicholas, and the Flamin' Groovies.
Read More »Music Reviews: Lou Reed’s ‘New York,’ Plus Gay Marshall and Rick Shea
A vastly expanded edition of Lou Reed's 'New York' includes a powerful concert recording. Plus, an album of Leonard Cohen covers from Gay Marshall and new music from Rick Shea.
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