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
Reissues
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: Rolling Stones’ ‘Licked Live in NYC,’ plus ‘Americana Railroad,’ Beach Boys’ ‘Sounds of Summer,’ ‘United Dreadlocks,’ and Paul Winter’s ‘Concert in the Barn’
The Stones issue a 2003 concert. Also, train-themed and reggae anthologies, Beach Boys hits, and a jazz concert at dawn.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Rolling Stones’ ‘El Mocambo 1977,’ plus Neurotic Outsiders, Railroad Earth, and Asleep at the Wheel
In 1977, the Stones took a break from huge venues to play a tiny club with memorable results.
Read More »Music Reviews: Mary Gauthier, John Coltrane, Charlie Musselwhite, Edie Carey, Michael McDermott, and Laney Jones
Mary Gauthier arrives at a hopeful place, plus an anniversary edition of a classic John Coltrane CD 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
A 1960s one-hit wonder, up-and-coming folksingers, a punk-rock reissue, and more new releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: Mark Knopfler’s ‘The Studio Albums 1996–2007,’ plus Jesper Lindell’s ‘Twilights’
A box set collects the first five solo albums from Dire Straits' leader and Jesper Lindell hits a home run with his sophomore release.
Read More »Music Reviews: Rain Perry’s ‘A White Album,’ Bobby Cole’s ‘A Point of View,’ Giulia Millanta’s ‘Woman on the Moon,’ and Ronnie Earl’s ‘Mercy Me’
A musical response to racism, an overlooked jazz singer, a blues guitar set, and an emotional folk-rock journey.
Read More »Music Reviews: Scott McCarl’s ‘Play On,’ plus Surrender Hill, Jose Ramirez, and the Waymores
Power pop from a former member of the Raspberries plus two country-flavored duos and a blues guitar prodigy.
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