Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
An eclectic anthology collects the songs that made Billboard's Top 100 in one week of August 1957. Plus, Marvin Gaye and Diane Huber.
Read More »Music Reviews: An Unusual Anthology Collects Hits from 1957, plus Marvin Gaye and Diane Hubka
Reviews music
Music Reviews: A Box Set Showcases Bob Dylan’s ‘Time Out of Mind’ Sessions, plus Jeb Loy Nichols and Josh Sinton
A box set expands on "Time Out of Mind," Bob Dylan's 1997 masterpiece. Plus, the underappreciated Jeb Loy Nichols and jazz from Josh Sinton.
Read More »Concert Review: New York Philharmonic with Violinist Lisa Batiashvili (NYC, 21 January 2023)
Ukrainian conductor Dalia Stasevska led the New York Philharmonic and Lisa Batiashvili in music of Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Wang Lu.
Read More »Charlie Doherty’s Top Songs and Albums of 2022
After five long years, Canadian indie pop rockers Alvvays returned in 2022 with 'Blue Rev,' the best album of their career. And my fav of the year.
Read More »Music Reviews: Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, Impressions with Jerry Butler, Orchestra Gold, and Howdy Glenn
The first solo album from the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir reappears with a bonus concert, plus Impressions with Jerry Butler, Orchestra Gold, and Howdy Glenn.
Read More »Music Review: Loudon Wainwright’s First Two Albums Reappear on a Single CD
Loudon Wainwright III's first two albums are reissued on one CD.
Read More »Music Reviews: The Carter Family, Frank Zappa, and Janis Joplin with Jorma Kaukonen
New CDs offer a treasure trove from the influential family, noteworthy jazz-rock from Frank Zappa, and pre-fame material from Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen.
Read More »Music Review: A Hot Concert Highlights the Beach Boys’ ‘Sail On Sailor – 1972’
The Beach Boys' 'Sail on Sailor - 1972' includes expanded versions of two albums recorded that year, plus a contemporaneous concert.
Read More »Concert Review (NYC): John Adams’ ‘El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered’ from American Modern Opera Company
A compelling performance of Julia Bullock's chamber version of John Adams' 'El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered' was an unusual way to usher in Christmas at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.
Read More »Music and Film Reviews: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Live at Royal Albert Hall,’ plus Dave Alvin’s ‘Eleven Eleven’ and Sam Platts’ ‘West Side’
A CD/Blu-ray box set features Creedence Clearwater Revival at Royal Albert Hall in 1970, plus reviews of Dave Alvin and Sam Platts.
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