Album Reviews

Here are my highlights in popular music from 2016. It includes records by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bright Light Bright Light, David Bowie, Melanie C, Hikaru Utada, Beyoncé, and many more!

If 'Blue Mountain' represents a new, more prolific era for this music legend, Weir fans of all stripes have a lot to look forward to. Even if he takes another 16 years to complete another album, listeners can take comfort in the rich tones of this mature work. Now more than ever, the world needs the comforting, self-assured songs of Bob Weir.

On top of a capacious talent, the Bulgarian-born, New York-based pianist has a distinctive sensibility evidenced by her choice of repertoire, which encompasses works by composers from her homeland as well as contemporary new music and her own compositions.

Fine musicianship and rich, live sound make this new album an enlightening introduction to some seldom-heard but very worthwhile music by composers born in, or who made a strong mark in, the United States.

Although different from what listeners might be used to, 'She' is an album worth supporting because of the topics discussed and the way it goes about doing so.

From torchlight ballads to casino room swing, Marlene VerPlanck covers the spectrum of jazz standards.

Panic in Eden’s ‘In the Company of Vultures’ shares important messages in a non-confrontational, honest, and non-patronising way.

‘Strange Storm’ comes off as a series of entries on the state of the world with an ultimate message of hope for the future.

Straddling a number of genres, ‘Music for Mobile Electric Guitars’ has a little something for everyone.

Phil Gammage delivers in ‘Used Man for Sale’ a safe sound that listeners looking for familiar sounds will most appreciate.