Reviews

[rating=9.00] M.C. Taylor, better known as Hiss Golden Messenger, is one to watch. On his follow up to last year’s incredibly sparse and haunting Bad Debt, he’s lightened his load a bit to radiant results. Lateness of Dancers finds Taylor embracing a more sun-drenched country sound than we’re used to from him. Inspired by the […]

Reigning Sound, the garage rockers from Memphis like to play NYC as often as they can and there was a good turnout for them in the Big Apple as the band played a show in support of their newest release Shattered. The band’s new songs have a distinct soul feel to them, so having a […]

[rating=6.00] Often peppy, never dull, and at times ambitiously prolific, Bishop Allen are back after a long (for them, at least) five year hiatus. In that interim, the band members worked on film and television scores, copiously demoed tracks, and left behind their longtime Brooklyn surroundings for a fresh start amongst the lush greenery of […]

[rating=6.00] The fourth studio album from Delta Spirit is a lush, epic foray into arena-ready rock, more so than anything they’ve done before. Into the Wide, as it’s so aptly titled, feels grand and big, like it’s ready to move mountains. They’ve always had a knack for creating pop rock head bangers, but on Wide […]

Undeterred by a gloomy forecast, legions of Sound Tribe Sector Nine fans descended on Morrison, Colorado last weekend eager for a glimpse of STS9 “2.0.” The pioneering jamtronica band returned to the Red Rocks Amphitheater with a new bassist and a new sound, hoping to set a course for the future. In the months preceding […]

[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 […]

“Somebody’s Talking” is a deliciously catchy, foot-tapping tune full of sass and momentum.

There’s a reason why Aretha Franklin is referred to as the Queen of Soul. Unlike the pop stars of today, Ms. Franklin doesn’t rely on teams of backup dancers, elaborate stage shows, and outfits better suited for a porn star than a musical performer. And, for the most part, she never has. Her status comes […]

Let’s take a little walk down memory lane for a moment. It’s the mid-1970’s and The Midnight Special is the staple of my adolescent Friday nights. A band of greasy Boston bad boys overtake the screen and proceed to blow me away with an old Yardbirds song. Dressed in tight satin pants and hair too […]

[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. […]

Though she isn’t physically there, Frankie Rose leaves her mark when Brooklyn band Beverly plays live. The ex-Vivian Girls and ex-Dum Dum Girls drummer along with singer and guitarist Drew Citron put out their debut record Careers in July as Beverly, a rock outfit that harkens back to nineties garage rock and girl group grunge. […]