Album Reviews

[rating=8.00] If Jason Isbell is not yet a household name, he is at the top of the list when one mentions “Americana” these days. New West Records, likely wishing he was still on their roster, is smart enough to capitalize on Isbell’s success and take us back 11 years to Isbell’s first solo album after […]

Facebook’s recent advertising campaign is all about, among other things, how fake Facebook accounts aren’t really our friends. But it’s depressing that we’re even at the point where we need an advertising campaign to help people understand what constitutes a friend. The idea of friendship is one of many things that makes Something Smells Funky […]

In the latest Wannabe, artist Chris Prunckle offers his illustrated commentary on Fight the Good Fight, the new album from rock and rollers The Interrupters, in his signature six-panel comic strip form. Click on the image for full resolution (best viewed on desktop):

[rating=8.00] Billy Price has emerged from a regional star in Pittsburgh to an international blues star. It’s about time. Few, if any singers today, can bring the combination of passion and vocal range that Price does on his soul-blues tunes. Although he is mostly a high tenor, he can bring the falsetto too. Propelled by […]

In the latest Wannabe, artist Chris Prunckle offers his illustrated commentary on Stranger Fruit, the new album from rock and rollers Zeal & Ardor, in his signature six-panel comic strip form. Click on the image for full resolution (best viewed on desktop):

[rating=8.00] For Drake, the best way to make people forget there was ever any beef going on with Pusha T was to either retaliate to “The Story of Adidion” (Drake diss) and/or release another great album. Drake did just that with his fifth studio album Scorpion. For that reason, it was required for him to respond to those allegations somewhere, […]

[rating=8.00] For the past 20 years or so, I See Hawks in LA have purveyed an essential country-rock crossover formula brewed as authentic Americana, so authentic in fact that it might give those boys from Bakersfield a run for their money. Adding a prerequisite touch of twang, soaring melodies and a rugged and rowdy pastiche, […]

[rating=7.00] Cut Throat Finches are a young band from Ft. Worth, TX. described by one writer as sounding like Nathaniel Ratcliffe fronting the Raconteurs. Their rather unique blend of soulful vocals, western stylings and Brit-pop influence belies most of the music one would associate with Texas; it’s mostly shimmery pop. Cut Throat Finches are releasing […]

[rating=10.00] Those of us that have the box set Coltrane – The Classic Quartet – Complete Impulse Studio Recordings now find that the although the collection will never be obsolete, it now needs updating due to original, never-before -heard compositions recorded seemingly for a studio album in 1963.  Sonny Rollins has provided the quote that […]

[rating=9.00] Iconic living legend saxophonist Charles Lloyd keeps exploring as he now moves into his ninth decade. This release, Vanished Gardens, his fourth upon his return to Blue Note, again pairs him with two extraordinary guitarists who often play together, Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz (pedal steel and dobro). The two have played on Lucinda’s […]