Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A star-studded box set surveys highlights from Jimmie Vaughan's long career. Also, five more noteworthy new CDs.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘The Jimmie Vaughan Story’ plus Suzie Ungerleider, Connie Smith, Karen Jonas, Matt Jaffe, and Ward Hayden
Country and Americana
Music Reviews: ‘Girl from the North Country’ Soundtrack, plus Explorer Tapes, Oregon, Sierra Ferrell, and Ben Bostick
Must-hear covers of Bob Dylan songs fill the soundtrack to Broadway's 'Girl from the North Country.' Also reviewed: a pop-rock gem from Explorer Tapes, a live set from Oregon, newcomer Sierra Ferrell, and Ben Bostick's excellent fourth CD.
Read More »Music Reviews: Beach Boys’ ‘Feel Flows,’ plus Colin Hay, Gram Parsons, and Ellen Foley
A five-CD set shines a light on recordings from the Beach Boys' underappreciated later years. Also, interpretive material from Colin Hay, rehearsal tapes from Gram Parsons, and new music from Ellen Foley.
Read More »Music Reviews: Archival Releases from Nina Simone, Plus Dallas Burrow, Son Volt, Mick Kolassa, & Kate Taylor
A remastered edition of Simone's extraordinary 1958 debut and a collection of her live performances, plus more new CDs you should know about.
Read More »Music Reviews: Rolling Stones’ ‘Live on Copacabana Beach,’ Plus Steve Dawson and John R. Miller
A rock concert for one and a half million fans and two more noteworthy releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: Frank Zappa’s Final US Concert, plus Ashley Riley, Richard X. Heyman, Raoul Vignal, and Nefesh Mountain
A previously unreleased live set from Zappa, one of rock's most versatile and idiosyncratic performers. Also: Ashley Riley's gorgeous CD and more new releases.
Read More »Song Premiere: Luke LeBlanc – ‘Oh My Lordy’
The Minneapolis singer-songwriter targets the quandaries of life with this single from his upcoming third album.
Read More »Music Reviews: Lulu, Plus Shannon McNally, Beth Whitney, and Ben Brown
An American one-hit wonder who has had a long and notable career in the U.K., plus an album of Waylon Jennings covers and more.
Read More »Music Reviews: Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Live,’ Plus the Palace Guard and Bill & the Belles
A new edition expands Fleetwood Mac's 1980 concert album from 91 to 167 minutes. Plus noteworthy music from an obscure 1960s group and an upbeat vocal collection inspired by a divorce.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘Peter Stampfel’s 20th Century in 100 Songs,’ Plus Steve Goodman and Buddy Holly’s Crickets
Longtime folk-music eccentric Peter Stampfel delivers a song for every year from 1901 to 2000. Plus, previously unreleased Steve Goodman demos and star-studded readings of Buddy Holly classics.
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