Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
My annual list of personal favorite studio albums, EPs, live releases, and box sets.
Read More »Charlie Doherty’s Top 50 Releases of 2020 (Phantogram, Nils Lofgren, Hum, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and More)
Pop
Music Reviews: Box Sets Celebrate Cat Stevens’s ‘Mona Bone Jakon’ and ‘Tea for the Tillerman’
Vastly expanded editions of the singer's two 1970 LPs include concert material, demos, and more.
Read More »Music Reviews: Revisiting John Prine’s Early Albums, Plus Arrica Rose and These Fine Moments
A box set collects the first seven albums from a folk genius. Plus, noteworthy releases from These Fine Moments and Arrica Rose.
Read More »Music Reviews: Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimi Hendrix, and Kevin Rowland
An anthology shows Jerry Jeff Walker had more to offer than "Mr. Bojangles." Plus, a 1970 Jimi Hendrix concert and unjustly overlooked covers from British singer Kevin Rowland.
Read More »Music Reviews: A Deluxe Edition of the Doors’ ‘Morrison Hotel’ Plus Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche, Beth Lee, Sweet Lizzy Project
A 50th anniversary edition of the Doors' 'Morrison Hotel' includes a remaster of the original album and rough but interesting works in progress. Plus, releases from Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, Beth Lee, and Sweet Lizzy Project.
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 Review: ‘Diana Ross & The Supremes Sing and Perform “Funny Girl”‘ (The Ultimate Edition)
A two-CD reissue of an oft-forgotten Supremes album finds the group taking on the famed musical in soulful style—with never-before-heard vocals.
Read More »Music Review: Emel Mathlouthi – ‘The Tunis Diaries’
'The Tunis Diaries' from Emel Mathlouthi is a collection of amazing songs by one of today's most exciting performers.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Rolling Stones Reheat ‘Goats Head Soup,’ Plus New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers and Joey Molland
The Rolling Stones' 'Goats Head Soup,' a chart-topper in 1973, reappears in a deluxe edition that includes an excellent concert recording.
Read More »Music Reviews: A Deluxe Reissue of the Grateful Dead’s ‘Workingman’s Dead’ Plus Bonnie Whitmore, Sugar Ray
The Grateful Dead made a U-turn on their fourth album, which is being celebrated with a 50th anniversary edition. Plus, new releases from Bonnie Whitmore and Sugar Ray.
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