Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
The Animals' long-out-of-print early LPs reappear in remastered, expanded editions.
Read More »Music Reviews: Expanded Reissues of the Animals’ First Four LPs, plus John Moreland, the SideMen, and Buffalo Romeo
Album Reviews
Music Reviews: Lorelei Ensemble – James Kallembach: ‘Antigone’ and Plínio Fernandes – ‘Saudade’
A new choral suite commemorates Sophie Scholl and the White Rose movement through the lens of Greek myth; a brilliant Brazilian guitarist makes his major label debut.
Read More »Music Reviews: Everly Brothers, Paul Kelly, Todd Sharpville, Matt Lomeo, Willi Carlisle, and the Local Honeys
An anthology showcases the Everly Brothers' rockabilly roots. Plus five more noteworthy new releases.
Read More »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: 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 »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: 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 »