Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
A new two-CD set called "American Dream" takes us back to Mellencamp's Johnny Cougar days, when the singer was a household name mainly just in his own household.
Read More »When John Mellencamp Was Johnny Cougar, a Zappa/Beefheart Box, and More
Tag Archives: Frank Zappa
Music & Book Reviews: John Lennon’s ‘Power to the People’ Box Set, plus Cindy Walker, Maia Sharp, the Cowsills, NRBQ, and Graham Parker
Most notable are previously unreleased live jams from the 'Some Time in New York City' sessions. They feature Elephant’s Memory, augmented by a star-studded guest list that includes George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, Keith Moon, Nicky Hopkins, and Klaus Voormann.
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘Jac Holzman Presents Dylan’s Circle’ and Frank Zappa’s Expanded ‘One Size Fits All,’ plus Dallas Burrow, Rags Rosenberg, and the Far West
There’s not a bad track on the album, which isn’t surprising given how consistently Holzman’s fabled label [Elektra] issued superlative music in its heyday.
Read More »Music & Film Reviews: Frank Zappa’s ‘Cheaper Than Cheep,’ plus Janis Ian, Christian Parker, Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, and Big Love Car Wash
The 23-song program mines some of Zappa’s most noteworthy material. He reaches all the way back to 'Freak Out,' the Mothers’ sterling 1966 debut...
Read More »Music Reviews: Frank Zappa’s Expanded ‘Apostrophe (’),’ plus Mike Montrey Band, Kevin Gordon, Rebecca Frazier, Guy Davis, and Mac Leaphart
Reviews of an expanded edition of Frank Zappa's Apostrophe, plus Mike Montrey Band, Kevin Gordon, Rebecca Frazier, Guy Davis, and Mac Leaphart
Read More »Music Reviews: A ‘Girl Group’ Anthology, Grateful Dead’s Expanded ‘From the Mars Hotel,’ Frank Zappa & the Mothers’ ‘Whisky a Go Go 1968,’ and More
You’ll have to dig through a bit of fool’s gold to find it, but if you’re a fan of Joe Meek’s work and the so-called girl-group era, you will encounter some gems.
Read More »Music Reviews: Frank Zappa’s ‘Over-nite Sensation’ Box Set, the Feelies’ Velvet Underground Tribute, and More New Releases
Reviews of an expanded edition of Frank Zappa's Over-nite Sensation, the Feelies' 'Some Kinda Love,' and more.
Read More »Music Reviews: Barclay James Harvest, Willie Nelson, Kendra Morris, Frank Zappa, and Jourdan Thibodeaux
A 1971 album from prog-rock's Barclay James Harvest gets boxed. Plus, Willie Nelson, Frank Zappa, and more.
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 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.
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