Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A star-studded box set surveys highlights from Jimmie Vaughan's long career. Also, five more noteworthy new CDs.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘The Jimmie Vaughan Story’ plus Suzie Ungerleider, Connie Smith, Karen Jonas, Matt Jaffe, and Ward Hayden
Album Reviews
Music Reviews: ‘Girl from the North Country’ Soundtrack, plus Explorer Tapes, Oregon, Sierra Ferrell, and Ben Bostick
Must-hear covers of Bob Dylan songs fill the soundtrack to Broadway's 'Girl from the North Country.' Also reviewed: a pop-rock gem from Explorer Tapes, a live set from Oregon, newcomer Sierra Ferrell, and Ben Bostick's excellent fourth CD.
Read More »Music Review: Willie Nile: ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still’
'The Day The Earth Stood Still' from Willie Nile is a great album of timely and intelligent music from a heartfelt and aware songwriter.
Read More »Music Reviews: Beach Boys’ ‘Feel Flows,’ plus Colin Hay, Gram Parsons, and Ellen Foley
A five-CD set shines a light on recordings from the Beach Boys' underappreciated later years. Also, interpretive material from Colin Hay, rehearsal tapes from Gram Parsons, and new music from Ellen Foley.
Read More »Music Reviews: Archival Releases from Nina Simone, Plus Dallas Burrow, Son Volt, Mick Kolassa, & Kate Taylor
A remastered edition of Simone's extraordinary 1958 debut and a collection of her live performances, plus more new CDs you should know about.
Read More »Music Review: Sheena Easton – ‘The Definitive Singles 1980-1987’ (3-CD Set)
Easton's remarkably versatile 1980s output is assembled compellingly on a new collection featuring hits, rare mixes, and unreleased tracks.
Read More »Music Reviews: A Must-see Concert Blu-ray from Little Steven, Plus Joan Armatrading
Stevie Van Zandt and his Disciples of Soul shine in a new video release, plus a new release from Joan Armatrading.
Read More »Music Reviews: George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’ (50th Anniversary Edition), Plus the Gun Club’s ‘Fire of Love’ (Deluxe Edition)
The "quiet Beatle" made a loud splash with his first major solo album, which has now been dramatically expanded.
Read More »Music Reviews: Rolling Stones’ ‘Live on Copacabana Beach,’ Plus Steve Dawson and John R. Miller
A rock concert for one and a half million fans and two more noteworthy releases.
Read More »Music Reviews: Van Morrison’s ‘Latest Record Project,’ Plus Our Band and Laura Nyro
Van Morrison’s new album—his 42nd studio LP and his eighth record in the last five years—includes a song called “Where Have All the Rebels Gone?” A more pertinent question might be, “Where has Van Morrison gone?” The answer, it seems, is to some strange and at times barely recognizable place. The …
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