Album Reviews

[rating=9.00] Based on its selection of elemental blues and rock material, Johnny Winter’s Step Back is a logical extension of his previous record, the more literally conceived and executed Roots. The late Texan’s final studio album lives up to the broad perspective at which its title hints with diverse arrangements that illustrate his versatility. Step […]

[rating=9.00] Ryan Adams is something of a deity to many fans who’ve been following him from the start. And even those fans that may have fallen by the wayside over the years probably still count his 2000 debut solo album Heartbreaker as one of their top ten favorite records of all time. He’s probably tired […]

[rating=3.00] Since their 2008 breakthrough LP, The ’59 Sound, The Gaslight Anthem have tread perilously close to pastiche. But sincerity has never been a make-or-break element in their music; The Gaslight Anthem are nothing if not sincere about the type of American road rock they trade in. How else could we accept their Springsteenian level […]

[rating=7.00] Up until now, Justin Townes Earle has played the role of lothario lush so well, writing songs about his drinking and womanizing habits so poignantly. But his latest record Single Mothers seems to be ushering in a new phase in his life—a more grownup one, for sure. A little bluesier than anything he’s done […]

[rating=9.00] The young Caroline Rose has come a long way. Her independently produced and Kickstarter-funded record America Religious caught many ears upon its release last year, and now she’s out with her first studio album I Will Not Be Afraid, a tour de force of Americana roots and folk music that leaves a mark. Along […]

[rating=9.00] There should never be an argument over who was the true heart of KISS. Original guitarist Ace Frehley never ceases to remind the international fanbase of rock ‘n’ roll’s most fruitful experiment in marketing and commercial excess that he, in fact, has been the man who, once you strip away the costumes, kabuki makeup […]

[rating=6.00] For many of us, Imogen Heap came into our lives a decade ago like a force when we heard Frou Frou’s “Let Go” at the end of Garden State. But now, after three solo albums, Heap returns with her fourth, Sparks. In a special deluxe release that includes both instrumental versions of all songs, […]

[rating=6.00] As the dog days of summer are upon us, it’s prime time for looking back at sundrenched afternoons, early evening bike rides and humid mornings. And there’s no better soundtrack to do just that than the debut LP Feel Not Bad from Arkansas band SW/MM/NG (pronounced “swimming”). It’s a dreamy pop soundscape to accompany […]

[rating=7.00] Shovels and Rope have quickly garnered attention for their classic country sound, and their latest record Swimmin’ Time will likely continue to build their quickly growing fan base. The Charleston, South Carolina-based husband and wife duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst go together like salt and pepper when it comes to their […]

[rating=7.00] J Mascis’ second solo record for Sub Pop finds him again going (mostly) acoustic but where 2011’s Several Shades of Why skewed minimal, Tied To A Star explores a bounty of sonic textures. The guitarist is getting older and discovering how to use the studio and acoustic instruments to create the dynamics he used […]

[rating=9.00] When the prolific Ty Segall spends 14 months recording an album, it makes a statement. Manipulator is Segall’s seventh LP in seven years. Considering all of the side projects in which Segall has laid a hand, it seems that he is always releasing an album while spending little time in the studio creating one. […]

[rating=5.00] Colony House’s debut album, When I Was Younger, is definitely one with a distinct message; these young boys from Nashville, Tennessee are out to spread the word of hope and love to the world. And while that might be a bit of a cliché motive, their efforts are pure and full of passion. “Silhouettes” […]

[rating=8.00] Having proven their versatility, not to mention their comfort with modern technology, on their 2011 album Celebration, Florida, The Felice Brothers return to their forte of  equally cinematic, albeit far more earthy, contemporary folk music on Favorite Waitress. The quintet have not only rediscovered their niche, but, from start to finish, sound clearly overjoyed […]

[rating=7.00] Over the course of No-Man’s six studio recordings, singer/songwriter Tim Bowness wrote some of the most poignant lyrics in the realm of modern music. With multi-instrumentalist and progressive rock legend Steven Wilson backing his minimalist, abstract words, Bowness spun tales of suburban dystopia (1996’s Wild Opera), lush romanticism (1994’s Flowermouth), and heartbreak (2003’s Together […]

[rating=7.00] As the banjo picker in his dad Del’s legendary Del McCoury Band, there’s hardly any need for introduction; Rob McCoury is undoubtedly bluegrass royalty. With decades worth of shows under his belt and countless recordings mastered to tape, both with the family band and his own offshoot, The Travelin’ McCoury’s, Rob has perfected both […]

[rating=7.00] On the Black Crowes’ 2013 tour, founding sibling Rich Robinson radiated an unusual air of authority in contrast to his deferential persona of years past. And on his new album The Ceaseless Light there’s a similar air of confident dignity in the photos of him on the cover, but more importantly within the music […]

[rating=9.00] On his first self titled release Benjamin Booker comes storming out of the gate with stripped down infectious rock and roll that you can feel in your bones and shaking hips. The New Orleans based guitarist/singer has turned heads with his playing and for good reason as these songs shake rattle and boogie all […]

[rating=7.-00] Emerging from Detroit, the home of Motown and a city rich with musical roots in jazz and R&B; Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas plays as if they have been truly shaped by their city’s musical history. The band received some recognition for their 2013 EP, Demons which was released on Richard Gottehrer’s (Blondie, Dum […]

[rating=8.00] The No-Hit Wonder, Cory Branan’s fourth LP, isn’t an autobiography, though it very well could be. Branan has been slugging it out through hundreds of shows year after year as opener and main attraction with some of the best in the music business. He’s been immortalized in a Lucero song, shared stages with Jason […]

[rating=7.00] On Kin, Waylon Speed opt for a polished, ultra-professional approach that’s in stark contrast to the often sprawling but earnest displays of affection for country and hard rock that populate their previous recordings. But the rambunctious glee that pervades the likes of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades as well as the Boots EP also permeates […]