Swans – To Be Kind (Mute/Young God)
There was a time when Swans created music so dense and loud it caused visceral gastronomic reactions from audience members during their concerts in the late 80s and early 90s. … Read more
Reviews
Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens of Brooklyn – The Fat Cat…
“This is not a gospel band,” Naomi Shelton has said, “It’s a soul band that happens to do songs about love and faith.” This first-rate soul band pumped out joyful … Read more
Various Artists – Midnight Rider: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers Band…
When they fold up their billowing mushroom tent for the final time, 2014 will have been a full-on Allman Brothers year given the variety of concert celebrations, albums, DVDs, and … Read more
Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters – Good News (Stony Plain)
For over 25 years, guitarist Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters have consistently released heartfelt guitar-driven blues, and Good News ably continues that tradition. Released on the heels of his third … Read more
Governor’s Ball – Randall’s Island (New York, NY)
In 1998, Baz Luhrmann offered us his song/speech that had one important piece of advice: “Wear Sunscreen.” And after three days at Governors Ball this past weekend pacing back and … Read more
Jack White – Lazzaretto (Third Man Records)
I’ve spent the last few days thinking about Lazaretto and a proper, eloquent way to explain the importance of Jack White in my life. The White Stripes and the Raconteurs, … Read more
Northside Festival Highlights – Thursday Night
Early in the day, musicians littered Bedford Ave., playing on corners as camera crews captured the magic of Northside Festival. Sure, everyone is down in Manchester for Bonnaroo and having … Read more
Craig Bickhardt – The More I Wonder (Stone Barn Records)
If Craig Bickhardt could bank on his credentials, he’d likely have the means to garner greater recognition. And yet, even after having his songs covered by Reba McEntire, Nicolette Larson, … Read more
Yvette Landry – Me And T-Coe’s Country (Self-released)
Expectations can lead to disappointments, but they can also lead to great joys if you are willing to let go of preconceived notions and examine what’s at hand with an … Read more
Joel Selvin – Here Comes The Night: The Dark Soul of Bert…
“Berns had the magic, the fairy dust,” said Joel Selvin, a music writer at the San Francisco Chronicle for 37 years and the architect of this wonderful, sprawling saga of … Read more
