Christian John Wikane is a NYC-based writer and concert producer. In addition to writing liner notes and overseeing editorial content for US and UK-based record companies, his essays have appeared in various print and online outlets. He produces an annual benefit in NYC (Three of Hearts) and co-founded the UnFiltered music series with Nona Hendryx. He is currently a Contributing Editor for PopMatters.
Features
Friday, December 9 2011
The Best Rhythm and Blues of 2011
It's an interesting time to be a fan of R&B. These are commendable examples of artists continuing to push R&B into the 21st century, while also respecting and exploring its roots.
Thursday, September 8 2011
Now Hear This!: Johnnyswim / Los Angeles
What happens when a Nashville-bred duo moves to Los Angeles? They conquer New York.
Friday, March 11 2011
Melody Maker: An Interview with Darlene Love
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors the "One Woman Wall of Sound" ... at last.
Friday, July 9 2010
By the Time Jimmy Webb Got to Nashville
From Elk City to Los Angeles to Nashville, Jimmy Webb celebrates five decades of songwriting on Just Across the River with ten artists you just might recognize and tells PopMatters all about it.
Friday, April 2 2010
The Van Hunt Parlor Game: An Interview
Attention: if you don't hear your favorite Van Hunt song at his next concert, listen closer.
Reviews
Wednesday, January 4 2012
Mamas Gun: The Life and Soul
Attention London: One of 2011's greatest treasures is right in your back yard.
Friday, October 28 2011
Blondie: Panic of Girls
Both instant gratification and an acquired taste, Panic of Girls finds Blondie as unpredictable as ever.
Wednesday, February 23 2011
Rahsaan Patterson - 12 February 2011, New York
Rahsaan Patterson tells the truth.
Friday, January 28 2011
Mother's Finest - 16 January 2011, New York
Mother's Finest brings southern fried metal-gospel to New York.
Friday, December 10 2010
Mamas Gun: Routes to Riches (Deluxe Edition)
Need a contender for one of 2010's most essential albums? Start here.
Blogs
Wednesday, December 14 2011
She's a Wanderer: 10 Reasons Why Donna Summer Belongs in the RRHOF
Icon, music innovator, and trailblazing artist: Donna Summer epitomizes what rock and roll is all about, and that's why she belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tuesday, December 13 2011
Bubbling Under the 75 Best Albums of 2011: Lalah Hathaway
This week we presented our Best 75 Albums of 2011. Here are several more just bubbling under the top 75...
Thursday, October 20 2011
Van Hunt Lets the Pink Elephants Out to Play
Through words, music, and images, Van Hunt speaks the unspoken.
Wednesday, September 21 2011
Flame Dancer: Martha Davis and the 'Twisted Pop' of the Motels
What happened when Motels founder Martha Davis stepped into a row of flames? Thirty years later, Apocalypso holds the answer.
Tuesday, August 23 2011
Something Real: In Memory of Nickolas Ashford
In life, in words, and in music, Nickolas Ashford never gave less than the real thing. Where does 50 years of music go? They conduct symphonies of memories in the mind.

































