Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Just in time for the 2020 Grammys, here is my annual list of top releases of 2019 (including Baroness, Lana Del Rey, Neil Young, Lizzo, and Slipknot).
Read More »Charlie Doherty’s Top 40 Releases of 2019
Folk
Music Reviews: Hank Williams – ‘Pictures from Life’s Other Side’ Plus Mick Kolassa and Letitia VanSant
Hank Williams's so-called "Mother's Best" recordings offer essential music. Plus, fine releases from Mick Kolassa and Letitia VanSant.
Read More »Music Reviews: Honeycombs – ‘Have I the Right: The Complete 60s Albums & Singles’, Plus Wild Rabbit Salad, Lil Smokies, Bobby Hatfield
A three-CD anthology showcases the Honeycombs, a British Invasion group. Plus, Wild Rabbit Salad, the Lil Smokies, and previously unheard work from the Righteous Brothers’ Bobby Hatfield.
Read More »Music Reviews: Pink Floyd – ‘The Later Years,’ Plus Seamus Egan, Big Mike & the R&B Kings
A massive box set explores Pink Floyd’s post-1985 work. Plus, CDs from Seamus Egan and Big Mike.
Read More »Theatre Review (London’s West End): ‘Girl from the North Country’ at the Gielgud Theatre
Conor McPherson's musical is a sensitively crafted production about the Great Depression, featuring great tracks from Bob Dylan's rich discography.
Read More »Music Reviews: Leonard Cohen, ‘Thanks for the Dance’ and Bruce Springsteen, ‘1990s Broadcast Collection’
Three years after Leonard Cohen’s death, a new album from him appears. Plus, live Springsteen material from the '90s.
Read More »Concert Review: Intersect Music Festival 2019
I enjoyed myself and would definitely return.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Band: ‘The Band (Anniv. Ed.)’ Plus Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Kelly
The inevitable 50th anniversary edition of the Band’s classic second album offers reasons to upgrade. Plus, vintage live material from Simon & Garfunkel and an anthology from Australia’s Paul Kelly.
Read More »Music Review: Rozina Pátkai – ‘Taladim’
The Hungarian bossa nova specialist's new album includes jazz, electronic, folk, and world music settings of poems by Verlaine, Garcia Lorca, T.S. Eliot and more.
Read More »Music Review: Faun – ‘Maerchen & Mythen’ (Fairytales & Myths)
In 'Märchen and Mythen' Faun have taken us back to those dark and mysterious time of fairytales and myths with a musical odyssey into a wonderful world.
Read More »