Dara KartzFeatures
The Big O: Beyond the Dark GlassesExpanded reissues of the pivotal first three LPs recorded by Roy Orbison for Monument Records provides an insightful reminder of a true musical pioneer. [6 September 2006] Reviews
Various Artists: Stax Does the BeatlesSoulsville USA shows its relevance outside of Memphis with a pair of releases from Stax artists covering London and Detroit in their gritty soul sound. [7 May 2008]
Fuck Buttons: Street HorrrsingFuck Buttons offer a delightful and frightening wall of sound that will guarantee you're never sure of which side you're on. [7 April 2008]
Little Beirut: High DiveApparently, this Portland, Oregon quartet is not the sort to beat around the bush. [1 April 2008]
Carla Thomas: Live at the Bohemian CavernsForty years later, the undisputed Queen of Memphis Soul finally gets her album debut as a jazz singer. [29 October 2007]
The Ghost Is Dancing: The Darkest SparkYou've got to hand it to those Canadians... they really have the indie-rock collective thing down. [26 October 2007]
Bob Dylan: DYLANDylan masterpieces will always be masterpieces regardless of how many times we're fed the same songs, but enough already. [18 October 2007]
Wattstax (Various Artists): WattstaxThe Wattstax deluxe box set is a true reminder of the force of Stax Records, and includes the necessary additions that offer a more complete snapshot of a pivotal moment in African-American culture. [11 October 2007]
Ani DiFranco: CanonThe self-described "little folksinger" busts out the musical yearbooks for a captivating look back that goes beyond the typical "greatest hits" compilation. [3 October 2007]
Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew: Spirit If…Broken Social Scene co-founder takes his moment in the spotlight and creates a new level of branding for the indie kids.
The Hentchmen: Hentch-Forth.FiveWith or without Jack White, there was magic in those Detroit garages. [7 September 2007]
William Bell: The Very Best of William BellThis Very Best Of is a great reminder of the mind-blowing soul and R&B catalogue of Stax Records and, even more importantly, a proper reminder of one of the label's most underrated artists. [17 August 2007]
Guns N Roses: DVD Collectors Box [DVD]There are legions of hardcore G N' R fans roaming the world today, still ranting and raving about arguably the biggest and best contemporary rock band. [16 July 2007]
Ca$his: The County Hound EPNew addition to the Shady Records roster is now formally introduced. [3 July 2007]
Young Galaxy: Swing Your HeartacheYoung Galaxy is the latest signing of Toronto indie label Arts & Crafts, made well known now by their first signing, Broken Social Scene. [27 March 2007]
Gym Class Heroes: As Cruel As School ChildrenMTV loves these guys, and why not? They're quirky, energetic, and offer an easy-to-swallow version of alternative hip-hop for the kids of today. [12 February 2007]
FemBots: The CityWhat started years ago as a home-studio pastime between two friends ultimately evolved into an engaging album of ten highly textured alt-country tracks that still feature the duo's usual quirkiness, but is subdued by all the greatest elements of rock, folk and country. [5 February 2007]
The DTs: Nice n RuffAll the right elements, but without the proper mix this party seems a bit forced. [2 January 2007]
Andre Ethier: secondathallamFormer Deadly Snakes front man trades in bar brawling for barstool lament on love. [21 December 2006]
Mayday!: Mayday!Miami rap-duo reached online star status with a video for the single that became a YouTube phenomenon literally overnight. [20 December 2006]
Matt Mays & El Torpedo: Matt Mays & El TorpedoIt's the sort of timeless music that the guys at university campus bars think sounds really good after chugging back some Labatt Ice. [19 December 2006]
Brent Gorton: Brent GortonTypical lo-fi fare given just enough edge by a dose of innovation. [5 November 2006]
Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton: Knives Dont Have Your BackA softer delivery perhaps, but a message that is still sharp as nails. [17 October 2006]
Ray LaMontagne: Till the Sun Turns BlackSinger-songwriter Ray LaMontagne finds his way out of his cabin only to get lost in the background of his sophomore release. [16 October 2006]
Thomas Dybdahl: One Day Youll Dance For Me, New York CityNorwegian singer-songwriter makes good with New York City. [6 October 2006]
Elan: Together As OneFormer Wailers frontman throws his solo hat in the ring with the debut record from Tony Kanal's Kingsbury Studios. [8 August 2006]
Love Arcade: Love ArcadeThis kid is out to prove there's more than one Jack White-type in Detroit who can do it all. [7 August 2006]
Crestview Trust: Crestview TrustThe debut record from Toronto's Crestview Trust is one of those really obscure releases that only locals know about. Here's why it's worth the hassle it will take to get your hands on a copy.
Irma Thomas: After the RainNew Orleans's Queen of Soul shows she has as much resilience as her hometown on her first album in six years. |
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