Album Reviews

It seemed an odd booking choice when it was announced that Alejandro Escovedo would play the tiny White Eagle in Portland. After all, he could have easily played a larger venue. But the living room-like feel of the room made it clear that the renowned musician was aiming for a different sort of vibe this […]

[rating=7.00] When most people think of Russia, rock music is not something that comes to mind. For many, the amount of Russian bands they know could be counted on less than one hand, and for most on less than one finger. However, the five-piece band Motorama from Rostov-on-Don, Russia has been recording post-punk and, more […]

[rating=8.00] As the only constant member of the famed rock band The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde has worked relentlessly as a pioneer for female-fronted rock and roll bands since 1979. She has unapologetically written, recorded and performed her music around the globe and has earned the right to do whatever the hell she wants, including her […]

[rating=8.00] Credit Conor Oberst with truth in advertising. Ruminations is all its title implies, a series of sad story songs that bring reflection and remorse to the fore. Oberst’s once bright eyes seem considerably dimmer at this point, forcing him to pull back on any energy and enthusiasm for the sake of a solitary stance. […]

[rating=7.00] It’s time to start feeling dated when you realize that Kings of Leon released their first album over 13 years ago. On their seventh album WALLS, Kings of Leon returned to Los Angeles to record in an apparent effort to recapture the magic of their first two albums.  Yet the rowdy Southern ‘kick the […]

[rating=8.00] While our poisoned politics might dissuade anyone from opting for an album by a group that calls itself The Congress, the music it provides is a far cry from the anguish and antagonism reaped by our elected officials. A listen to any of their earlier efforts — their two EPs (One self-titled, the other […]

In the newest installment of Wannabe, artist Chris Prunckle reviews Brand New Flag, the new LP from Ohio rock and rollers Two Cow Garage, in his signature six-panel comic strip form. Click on the image for full resolution (best viewed on desktop):

[rating=8.00] Within the often turbulent history of the Black Crowes, their guitarist of longest standing, Marc Ford wasted no time initiating solo projects. In fact, his latest, The Vulture, is his fifth such effort under his own name, and no one should be surprised this latest work of Ford’s suggests he was as responsible for […]

[rating=7.00] How do you pay tribute to an artist as brilliant and singular as Elliott Smith? By assembling an impressive list of artists to interpret his work and make it their own. That is exactly the goal of the newly released Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith, which features appearances from the likes of […]

[rating=7.00] David Bromberg’s fondness for the blues has been a single-minded concern throughout his storied career, one that’s found him working alongside any number of icons, folks like Bob Dylan and George Harrison included. Not surprisingly, The Blues, The Whole Blues and Nothing But The Blues is all its title claims to be, and if Bromberg […]