Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A captivating piece by David Fulmer and an inventive collection of folk-influenced music from the Apollo Chamber Players
Read More »Music Reviews: David Fulmer – ‘Sky’s Acetylene’ and Apollo Chamber Players – ‘With Malice Toward None’
Album Reviews
Music Reviews: Ruth Brown, Laura Nyro, Dori Freeman, James McMurtry, Al Ross & the Planets, Bren Holmes, and Chillingsworth Surfingham
An anthology from R&B queen Ruth Brown, Laura Nyro at age 18, a Dori Freeman gem, and more new releases you ought to hear.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Monumental ‘R&B in DC’ plus Bob Marley, Gene Pitney, the Faux Paws, and Brad Vickers
The latest gargantuan box set from Germany's Bear Family label showcases seminal rhythm and blues–related music from the Washington, D.C. area.
Read More »Music Review: ‘Feminine Care’ Lexagon
Feminine Care, by Bay Area multimedia artist Lexagon (AKA Alexa Burrell) on Ratskin Records, is a complex and subtle musical examination of what it meant to be a woman of colour living during the time of the Trump presidency. However, anyone expecting strident political statements will be sorely disappointed, as …
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘The Jimmie Vaughan Story’ plus Suzie Ungerleider, Connie Smith, Karen Jonas, Matt Jaffe, and Ward Hayden
A star-studded box set surveys highlights from Jimmie Vaughan's long career. Also, five more noteworthy new CDs.
Read More »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.
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