Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
An anthology showcases the Everly Brothers' rockabilly roots. Plus five more noteworthy new releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: Everly Brothers, Paul Kelly, Todd Sharpville, Matt Lomeo, Willi Carlisle, and the Local Honeys
Pop
Music Reviews: ‘Heroes & Villains: The Sound of Los Angeles 1965–68,’ plus the Chantels, Hank Ballard, and Nat King Cole
A three-CD anthology mines the vibrant late-'60s L.A. rock scene. Plus, anthologies from the Chantels and Hank Ballard and previously unheard Nat King Cole.
Read More »Music Reviews: Frank Sinatra’s ‘Watertown,’ plus Frank Zappa, Peter Rowan, James Holvay, and Cowboy Junkies
Frank Sinatra's 'Watertown,' which garnered lukewarm sales and reviews more than 50 years ago, gets a well-deserved second chance in the spotlight.
Read More »Music Reviews: ABBA’s ‘CD Album Box Set,’ plus Brad Absher, David Newbould, Michael Martin Murphey, and Rod Picott
A 10-CD box delivers all the Swedish pop group's hit-packed albums, including 2021's 'Voyage,' plus a disc of non-LP tracks.
Read More »SXSW Music Festival 2022: Friday-Saturday, March 18-19
Pillow Queens and Flora & Fawna were among the highlights on the last two days of SXSW Music Festival 2022 in Austin, Texas on Friday and Saturday, March 18-19.
Read More »Music Reviews: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Banditos, Bryan Ferry, Heidi Talbot, Zero, and May Erlewine
A half dozen noteworthy new CDs, including the Dirt Band's collection of Dylan covers and a potentially star-making third release from Banditos.
Read More »Music Reviews: John Fred, Caroline Spence, Abbie Gardner, the Muffs, Delbert McClinton, Abigail Lapell, and Marc Jordan & Amy Sky
A 1960s one-hit wonder, up-and-coming folksingers, a punk-rock reissue, and more new releases.
Read More »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.
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