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
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Music Reviews: The Crests’ ‘Sixteen Candles: The Definitive Collection’ plus Michael Weston King and My Darling Clementine
An anthology offers 51 trips to doo-wop heaven. Also: Michael Weston King's first solo outing in 10 years and Elvis Costello covers from My Darling Clementine.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Knack’s ‘Live at the House of Blues,’ plus Ann Peebles, Barney Bentall, and Steven Casper
In a 2001 concert, the Knack's members revisit their glory days. Also, reviews of three more noteworthy releases.
Read More »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 »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Monday, March 14
Gallus and Kishi Bashi were among the highlights on the first night of SXSW Music Festival 2022 on March 14.
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 »Ukraine War Immediately Impacts Cultural Life Worldwide, From Eurovision to Carnegie Hall, Champions League to Formula 1
Sports and the arts cannot stay above the fray as Vladimir Putin pursues his agenda of deadly aggression in Ukraine.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Left Banke, ‘The Beatles and India,’ Peter Tosh, the HawtThorns, and April March
Previously unheard baroque rock gems from the group that gave us the classic "Walk Away Renee." Also: a great reggae concert, Beatles covers by Indian artists, and more.
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: Lucinda Williams and John Sebastian, Plus Marshall Crenshaw, Wild Rivers, Michael Veitch, and Kate MacLeod
Lucinda Williams covers Rolling Stones and Christmas songs, and John Sebastian revisits the Spoonful songbook. Plus four more new releases.
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