Justin Cober-Lake

About Justin Cober-Lake

Justin Cober-Lake lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife, kids, and dogs. His writing has appeared in a number of places, including Stylus, Pastemagazine.com, Chord, and Trouser Press. His work made its first appearance on CD with the release of Todd Goodman’s first symphony, Fields of Crimson.

Features

Three Days, Forty Years, Six Discs

It's the enticing performances of the smaller acts -- and not the explosions of the big ones -- that made Woodstock such a singular event. [16 August 2009]

Salim Nourallah [Dallas, Texas]

Despite intense familiy struggles, Salim Nourallah has truly blossomed into his own as one of the most talented musicians in a too-often overlooked scene. [3 April 2008]

Flower Power: Stepping Back From the Past

After years of talking about how great this music is, it's time we started actually listening to it. For example, does a song sound like the year 1968, or does it sound like Deep Purple? [31 August 2007]

Our Story Is a Perennial One: An Interview with Pete Townshend

With a new Who album out, Townshend talks about connectedness, the joys and perils of technology, and his thoughts on songwriting. [9 November 2006]

The Gravel Pit, Silver Gorilla (1999)

Though professedly inspired by polysemy and pretentiousness, this neglected Boston band makes guitar pop that doesn’t require a second thought to enjoy. [13 October 2006]

A World of Limestone: Grant McLennan 1958-2006

With the passing of Grant McLennan, the world loses one of the best songwriters it never knew it had. [12 May 2006]

A Long Night’s Journey into Light

Half a century after its writing, Elie Wiesel's Night finds a renewed prominence thanks to Oprah, but its importance has never diminished. Justin Cober-Lake looks back at Wiesel's book and recommends others on the Holocaust and its continued relevance. [30 March 2006]

My Life As a Narrator

Justin Cober-Lake looks at Roth's My Life as a Man, an early and under-appreciated book in the writer's canon that sets the postmodern narrative tone for his future works. [16 December 2005]

Inner Space

When should you feel more cheated at a rock show -- when the venue seems like a museum, an ersatz bazaar, or a toilet? A look at how space affects performance. [26 July 2005]

Life’s Natural Rhythms: A Conversation with Jim White

In light of his upcoming film, Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus, White reflects on the elusive identity of the American South, impromptu communal joy, and the tenacity of self-consciousness. [1 January 1995]

Make It Beautiful and Trash It: An Interview with John Vanderslice

You might guess that John Vanderslice knows the secrets of great recording, but who knew the same tricks worked for photography and filmmaking?

Mechanic Organic Exclamations

What M83's Anthony Gonzalez will and won't reveal about his most recent album and his nude poetry recitals.

A Not-So-Lonesome Whistle: Johnny Cash at Sun Records

Music historian Colin Escot guides us through the Man in Black's earliest recordings.

Letting the Secret Out of the Balkans

Srdjan Brankovic of the melodic-prog band AlogiA tells of surviving in war-torn Serbia, swears allegiance to Helloween and Dream Theater, and denounces all false metal.

Columns

Little Punk Babies

As Evelyn McDonnell's new book illustrates, motherhood should be neither something done on the side, nor something that pushes everything else away, and it's that balance that our culture and government can be striving for. [25 May 2007]

Honey Hush

Popular songs like Da Muzicianz' 'Hush' suggests that it's not only okay, but romantic and positive to assume to know what a woman wants, and to act in her best interests, while she may not say otherwise. [10 January 2007]

Talk of the Town

Cober-Lake speaks with Chris Pugmire of the Seattle band Shoplifting about politics' place in punk rock, the role of men in feminism, and the dangerous power of language. [21 June 2006]

It’s Different for Girls

Rounder Records' new tween collective, a manufactured group of girls with inflexibly 'distinct personalities', is little more than harmless fun for a very specific target market. But what potential effects will Girl Authority have on the developing identity of its audience? [12 May 2006]

Gag Order

Pink takes on the popular stupid girls, but only a little. [21 March 2006]

Feminine But Not Feminist

Why some 'girl groups' must be identified as such and others feel inclined to avoid feminist descriptors: Cober-Lake gauges the cumulative effect of gender-obsessed definitions. [23 February 2006]

Playing Ashamed

A tale of two songs, both with complicated manifestations of male sexuality that explicitly broach gratification and possession in the shadow of the Ying Yang Twins' 'Wait (The Whisper Song)'. [21 December 2005]

Keeping an Eye on Mother and Baby

Did Ronnie Spector and Tina Turner play subversive feminist roles under the banner of male-dominated pop music? Or did we simply mistake stilted sexual roles for the progressive politics we desired? [3 November 2005]

Reviews

Lackthereof: A Lackthereof Retrospective or I Was a Christian Emo Twentysomething

This compilation offers more than its title suggests, even making an emo Christian compelling. [3 November 2009]

Think About Life: Family

With the sandpaper gone, these dance-rockers get more upbeat than ever. [2 November 2009]

Irma Thomas: The Soul Queen of New Orleans: 50th Anniversary Celebration

While this compilation falls a little short of a full-scale golden anniversary party, it's probably the right celebration for right now. [26 October 2009]

You and Yourn: It Would Make Things Worse

The duo provides a patient album that rewards patient listening. [25 October 2009]

Derek Webb: Stockholm Syndrome

Forget the swearing, Webb's created an album that's mesmerizing in its fullness. [1 October 2009]

Corey Harris: blu.black

This world traveler takes us from his beginnings through his global explorations and back again. [27 September 2009]

The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker: Burn It Down

The Dynamites do retro-soul with far more soul than retro. [13 September 2009]

The 5 O’Clock Shadowboxers: The Slow Twilight

Hip-hop debut proves neither easy to face nor difficult to hear. [3 August 2009]

Otis Taylor: Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs

Taylor's best record in about half a decade, and a memorable development in his sound. [9 July 2009]

Christian McBride and Inside Straight: Kind of Brown

While Kind of Brown resists stylistic novelty, it does provide a highly entertaining way to revisit that old Blue Note sound while taking in something fresh. [8 July 2009]

Andy Milne and Benoît Delbecq: Where Is Pannonica?

It takes an international collaboration to pull off an album this demanding, inventive, and spooky. [6 July 2009]

Bubba Sparxxx and DJ Greg Street: The New South

The compilation makes a nice sampler for the target audience, but it's not as memorable as you'd hope. [18 June 2009]

Buddy Guy: The Definitive Buddy Guy

For the most part, the compilation succeeds, but there are some limitations that can't be overlooked. [11 May 2009]

Mike Farris & the Roseland Rhythm Revue: Shout! Live

Farris dazzles as a performer, but this almost-great recording falls between necessary and inessential. [8 May 2009]

Akron/Family: Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free

On its new album, the band delivers a masterpiece while ranging from pastoral ditties to noise-laden freak-outs. [5 May 2009]

Dispatches from the Religious Left by Frederick Clarkson (ed)

Losing the religious element in the discussions limits the power of this practical introduction to the affairs of the Religious Left. [22 January 2009]

The Lucksmiths: First Frost

The Lucksmiths surmount bad weather and self-imposed distance to find a stylish wetness. [17 December 2008]

Julian Koster: The Singing Saw at Christmastime

The musical saw might not be the ideal music to play while you and your hot chocolate settle down next to the fireplace. [1 December 2008]

The Who at Kilburn: 1977

Though the cynic might wonder how many live versions of '69-'70 Who sets one needs, this film provides a fascinating look at the band at a particular moment in time.

On the Radio: The 1963 ‘Live’ Guard Sessions

Sometimes reminders are more stimulating than discoveries.

Mavis Staples: Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout

When a legend comes home, it has to be great, even if (or especially if), there's little of the superstar aura. [4 November 2008]

JJ Grey & Mofro: Orange Blossoms

It'd be hard to hear JJ Grey & Mofro's Orange Blossoms without realizing they're from somewhere deep in the South. [25 August 2008]

Various Artists: It All Started With Doo Wop

The kids might not be into doo wop, but they should be. [5 May 2008]

Kelley Stoltz: Circular Sounds

Stoltz cures hangovers with the sounds you haven't forgotten. [5 March 2008]

Jacqui Naylor: Smashed for the Holidays

Smashed for the Holidays doesn't work as an introduction to Naylor's work, but it's not a bad diversion for one month a year. [5 December 2007]

Levon Helm: Dirt Farmer

Helm makes a strong personal statement on this solo album, but he remembers how to work within a band. [31 October 2007]

True West: Hollywood Holiday Revisited

The forgotten Paisley Underground act gets fitting representation with its new reissue. [19 October 2007]

Chris Kenner: Land of 1000 Dances

Chris Kenner made his name in the 1960s with two big hits. Thanks in part to drinking and jail time, Kenner became little more than a footnote in music history. [10 October 2007]

Freezepop: Future Future Future Perfect

Freezepop's previous delivery of bouncy, energetic synthpop is now more concerned with atmospheres and tones. The group's no less smart or quirky than they have been, but they're a little cooler now, which makes this disc a little less successful. [25 September 2007]

Oakley Hall: I’ll Follow You

Oakley Hall loses some recklessness, but keeps it ugly as they continue their artistic ascension. [10 September 2007]

Code Pie: The Most Trusted Name in Yous

Code Pie's second album deserves any confectionary descriptors it might get, but it's not the usual sort of sugary pop. [4 September 2007]

Various Artists: Folksongs of Illinois #1 / Folksongs of Illinois #2: Fiddlers

The combination of great music and insightful notes makes this series as important as it is entertaining. [14 August 2007]

Various Artists: Virginia Roots

Despite the great music, this roots collection comes up a little short on edification. [13 August 2007]

Danny!: Danny Is Dead

Danny Is Dead succinctly shows Danny Swain's art, but it lacks the amazingness of both what he's done and what he's likely to do. [6 August 2007]

Bowerbirds: Hymns for a Dark Horse

Bowerbirds are getting some mileage out of being John Darnielle's "favorite new band in forever", but however they get the attention, they deserve it. [1 August 2007]

Helen Money: Helen Money

This cellist might have a pun in her stage name, but there's nothing funny about music this good.

Z-Trip: All Pro

DJ Z-Trip must just be playing around for this video game soundtrack. [19 July 2007]

Happy Music: The Best of the Blackbyrds

The Blackbyrds' failure on the smooth jazz unfortunately takes away from their legacy as a funk act. [12 July 2007]

Various Artists: Folk Music for the End of the World

If today was the end, you could do worse to listen to this compilation. [18 May 2007]

TV on the Radio: Live at Amoeba Music

If it's so obvious from an artistic and commercial standpoint, it shouldn't be this hard to find. [15 May 2007]

Various Artists: I Belong to This Band

When the Sacred Harp singing starts, the only option is to join in. [4 May 2007]

God, the Universe, & Everything (1988)

Alas, most of the science discussed here could be explained by an average high school physics teacher. [2 May 2007]

Okkervil River: The Presidents Dead

Okkervil River provides a focused and complex pair of songs using unexpected colors and surprising tones. [1 May 2007]

The Bar-Kays: House Party

A classic act makes a major stumble by being the wrong kind of copy cats. [27 April 2007]

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: Living With the Living

The punk rocker makes his most varied album, but he nearly spreads it too thin. [19 April 2007]

Baby Teeth: The Simp

"The Birds Are Crying" is a lot like Foreigner's "Double Vision". But with more dancing. [6 April 2007]

Grand Champeen: Dial T for This

Grand Champeen does a nice job of maintaining excitement without ever letting themselves go over the top, resulting in some basic but strong rock 'n' roll. [22 March 2007]

Michael Gordon, David Lang, Julia Wolfe, and Ben Katchor: The Carbon Copy Building

While the opportunity for the spectacular might be there, the results don't quite get there. [15 March 2007]

Otis Taylor: Definition of a Circle

Taylor sounds like he's struggling for a new sound, but he still delivers some quality performances. [27 February 2007]

My Brightest Diamond: Disappear

My Brightest Diamond's iTunes-only Disappear EP functions as a holdover between her two albums. [26 February 2007]

Cheeseburger: Cheeseburger

Cheeseburger's one of the more aptly-named bands out there right now. [20 February 2007]

Mute Math: Mute Math

Mute Math could make a huge, epic record, but all they've done here is show us they're capable of that without completely delivering. [13 December 2006]

Pete Townshend: Scoop / Another Scoop / Scoop 3

Townshend provides inessential but insightful look into his recording history. [11 December 2006]

The Close: Sun, Burn

The Close used to sound like a band anxious to be discovered, but on Sun, Burn, they sound a little like one that hasn't been. [28 November 2006]

Strange Fruit Project: The Healing

Strange Fruit Project offer help without condescension; it's just the kind of healing we can all use. [16 November 2006]

Feathers: Synchromy

This mixture of solid groove and irregular sounds almost becomes as good as it keeps suggesting it could be. [7 November 2006]

The Sadies: Tales of the Rat Fink

The Sadies have no interest in making exceptional music, which is, of course, how really fun records get made. [24 October 2006]

The Who: Endless Wire

The Who are still very good and just as relevant as ever. [23 October 2006]

The Citizens: Post Cro-Magnon Drift

The Citizens haven't done it yet, but they're about to hit their strange stride. [9 October 2006]

Keith Moon: Two Sides of the Moon

This collection doesn't really make sense, but it's Keith Moon, so it doesn't matter anyway. [4 October 2006]

Johnny Adams: The Great Johnny Adams R&B Album

Adams might be a great vocalist, but this set doesn't have that one great performance he needs. [2 October 2006]

Black Helicopter: Invisible Jet

This Invisible Jet provides a good ride, but stays a little short on thrust. [26 September 2006]

Various Artists: Doo-Wop Forever, Volume 2

Doo-Wop collections focuses on unknown acts and songs, most of which don't deserve to be forgotten. [21 September 2006]

Thom Yorke: The Eraser

The Radiohead solo album delivers what it didn't know it promised. [7 July 2006]

Evangelicals: So Gone

The Evangelicals are making up their own sport, with the rules slowly coming along. [6 July 2006]

John Lee Hooker, Jr.: Cold As Ice

Hooker, Jr. has the voice and personality to take him places, but he doesn't seem to be interest in traveling. [29 June 2006]

Beirut: Gulag Orkestar

A multi-instrumentalist with indie royalty connection and early underground buzz equals instant canonicity, but it might be worthwhile to consider the music itself. [1 June 2006]

The Futureheads: News and Tributes

The Futureheads provide the sort of control that leads to recklessness. [26 May 2006]

Soul Position: Things Go Better with RJ and Al

Somebody has to take responsibility for this, and there are only two of you. [23 May 2006]

The Walkmen: A Hundred Miles Off

I'm content when this music's on, but I'm not here to be content. [19 May 2006]

The BellRays: Have a Little Faith

The BellRays are the band that convince the MC5 they'd have been better off in Memphis. [17 May 2006]

NOMO: New Tones

Heady band encourages dancing and contemplation in measures that aren't quite equal, and that's a good thing. [9 May 2006]

Faris Nourallah: Near the Sun

Faris Nourallah hides a complex worldview in direct pop songs. Smile as you resolve those philosophical dilemmas. [10 April 2006]

P:ano: Ghost Pirates Without Heads

P:ano makes us wonder if we should engage the unengaged. [6 April 2006]

The Flaming Lips: At War with the Mystics

Finally, the punk rockers are going into orbit. Again. [31 March 2006]

16 Horsepower: Hoarse

Edwards and company get resurrected; Flannery O'Connor runs for cover. [23 March 2006]

The Sounds: Dying to Say This to You

The Sounds finds a delicate balance by balancing their delicacy. [20 March 2006]

Hard-Boiled Masculinities by Christopher Breu

The adoption of a hard-boiled persona by a character reflects his response to the particular capitalism of the US in the interwar period, frequently against the normative movement and in desire of a pre-industrial, agrarian society. [15 March 2006]

Remy Ma: There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story

When Remy learns to put her impressive vocal abilities behind something worth saying, she's going to be a force. [7 March 2006]

John Cale: Words for the Dying

Great minds collide, but there's as much friction as there is heat. [2 March 2006]

The Ark: State of the Ark

Swedish glam-rockers serve tacks in their dessert. [26 January 2006]

Clearlake: Amber

On this anticipated follow-up, the once-gloomy Clearlake sacrifices some mood for some rock, but only the guitars get happy about it. [24 January 2006]

Various: Nao Wave Revisited

An EP of just competently remixed Brazilian post-punk raises more questions than you need to have answered. [16 January 2006]

Various Artists: Não Wave Revisited: Brazilian Post Punk 1982-1988

An EP of just competently remixed Brazilian post-punk raises more questions than you need to have answered.

The Who: Tommy and Quadrophenia Live [DVD]

Considering how much Who material is out there, it's nice to see something new and valuable come along. [15 December 2005]

Pete Townshend: Gold

Another package for Who fans? Sure, why not. [7 December 2005]

The Joggers: With a Cape and a Cane

The latest from the Joggers stands as the epitome of indie, which somehow renders it inessential. [30 November 2005]

The Mars Volta: Scab Dates

When these proggers go live, fans will love it and the haters will hate. [16 November 2005]

Wilco: Kicking Television: Live in Chicago

Auteur theorists beware: Wilco leaves the studio behind in an attempt to just plain rock you. [15 November 2005]

Various Artists: Gilles Peterson Digs America: Brownswood U.S.A.

British DJ works hard so you won't have to. But you might want to anyway. [7 November 2005]

Otis Taylor: Below the Fold

Taylor dazzles with a new album that makes feeling blue something very special. [1 November 2005]

Rogue Wave: Descended Like Vultures

You won't have to memorize this one if you just keep it handy.

Angels of Light & Akron/Family: Akron/Family & Angels of Light

I'm going to keep telling you how good this band is until you listen to me. [31 October 2005]

Stevie Wonder: A Time to Love

If you care about being cool, walk away now. We won't miss you. [28 October 2005]

The Fiery Furnaces: Rehearsing My Choir

Art-poppers overreach and turn in one of the year's biggest disappointments. [25 October 2005]

Deerhoof: The Runners Four

Deerhoof hones its formal experiments. Everybody wins!" [19 October 2005]

Zucchero: Zucchero & Co.

One double tall skinny Italian pop star, no whip, with room. [13 October 2005]

Jason Forrest: Shamelessly Exciting

The most unpredictable moment on this album comes with its most normal track. [6 October 2005]

Shukar Collective: Urban Gypsy

I know it sounds strange, but bear with me on this one. [21 September 2005]

Akron/Family + Great Lake Swimmers

When a guitarist begins playing the rim of a glass, you know you're in for oddity; when he plays two kazoos while doing other stuff with his hands, it passes into something beautiful. [15 September 2005]

Jason Mraz: Mr. A-Z

You will like this album if you find its title amusing.

Princess Superstar: My Machine

Futuristic deconstruction was never so much fun!" [13 September 2005]

Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice: XIAO

Wooden Wand (aka James Toth) produces a Southern gothic sound, but he's more connected to the New York anti-folk scene than he is the Georgian backwoods. [8 September 2005]

I Am Kloot: Gods and Monsters

I Am Kloot is a good band, and Bramwell has the skills at the page/keyboard /mic/whatever to put together a classic. It doesn't exist yet. [17 August 2005]

The Hotel Alexis: The Shining Example Is Lying on the Floor

Hoteliers make a nice bed, but I'm not sure I can stay in it all night. [15 August 2005]

The Clumsy Lovers: Smart Kid

We're running out of time, but this roots album has enough summer left to get some play, be it in Ireland or Dublin, Alabama. [4 August 2005]

Da Beatminerz: Fully Loaded W/ Statik

Da Beatminerz probably aren't going to be on your shadow sibling's radio, but you can turn them on. [3 August 2005]

Colette: Hypnotized

The Singing DJ stumbles a few times, but doesn't spill her drink. [20 July 2005]

Corey Harris: Daily Bread

Carib-Afro-blues meets ethics on the latest from a... traditionalist?" [18 July 2005]

Télépopmusik: Angel Milk

French trio's sophomore release is less music for dancing than for the bookends of a night out. [7 July 2005]

Partyline: Girls With Glasses

The party line on this Partyline is simple: Fun, mildly nostalgic but altogether uninspiring. [6 July 2005]

The Heavenly States: Black Comet

Genre-blenders hide their secrets in words and sounds, but they don't give us an answer sheet. [5 July 2005]

Victor Wooten: Soul Circus

When talent's not enough. [1 July 2005]

Mem Shannon: I’m From Phunkville

New Orleans funk/jazz/bluesman sounds good, but that's part of the problem. [22 June 2005]

Memphis Bleek: 534

Don't even try, snarky listener. [15 June 2005]

Mommy and Daddy: Fighting Style Killer Panda

Parents in name, progeny in sound. [27 May 2005]

The Lucksmiths: Warmer Corners

I know they're Australian and easy-going, but please don't continue to overlook the Lucksmiths. [24 May 2005]

Like a Rolling Stone: Bob Dylan at the Crossroads by Greil Marcus

Like a Rolling Stone is not great cultural analysis or musical study, but it's a work that's both insightful and fantastic. [20 May 2005]

Magneta Lane: The Constant Lover

Hey, it's like the girl version of cool stuff!" [17 May 2005]

Electric Eel Shock: Go USA!

Rock is dead. I mean undead. Because it's a zombie. Rargh. [9 May 2005]

The Rosebuds: The Rosebuds Unwind

As the title suggests, you might find this one relaxing. If you don't look too closely. [2 May 2005]

Half-Handed Cloud: Thy Is a Word and Feet Need Lamps

It's Friday night church time: disordered music and bizarre stories that mostly work out. [27 April 2005]

The Frames: Burn the Maps

The Frames sound like a folk band at heart, but they structure their songs around steady builds, employing crescendos, electronics, and stadium dramatics to outsize their music. [13 April 2005]

Hot Hot Heat: Elevator

On their follow-up album, Hot Hot Heat make sure you'll want to visit, even if their cleanliness keeps you from staying at home. [5 April 2005]

Fembots: Small Town Murder Scene

A surprising (and mildly eclectic) musical journey; sometimes lonely, other times just noisy... [31 March 2005]

M. Ward: Transistor Radio

With the recent success of Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, and the like, Ward should be set for broader critical and commercial recognition. But he's not quite a folker. [23 February 2005]

Matt Pond PA: Winter Songs

As a stopgap EP, Winter Songs will hold its own; as something for season after season, though, it's not quite that durable. [17 February 2005]

We Versus the Shark: Ruin Everything!

This is where I say math rock meets pop meets noise meets improv, etc, but it would take too long. [7 February 2005]

El-P: Collecting the Kid

For this disc, highly-regarded producer El-P gathers some of his rarities, outtakes, and soundtrack work into one place.

[3 February 2005]

Aqueduct: I Sold Gold

With its smart (self-conscious but not clever) lyrics, catchy music, and quality production, Aqueduct's I Sold Gold has all the makings of a hit indie record. [25 January 2005]

A Cricket in Times Square: self-titled

New shoegazers find it's hard to make it in the big city without learning a few new tricks. [13 January 2005]

Da Capo Best Music Writing 2004 by Mickey Hart

Its annual publication is an act of canon formation, proclaiming what writers and topics are worth remembering and what constitutes 'good' in either music or its critical examination. [14 December 2004]

U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Unlike so many of their younger peers, U2 aren't writing protest music. They also aren't trying to shift musical paradigms. Instead, they're writing pop songs for a large and expectant public (a populist step in its own right). [23 November 2004]

TV on the Radio: Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

We know that TV on the Radio started with a brilliant debut, but we just have to hope that the band figures out where to point its gun.

[21 April 2004]

Iron & Wine: Our Endless Numbered Days

Beam’s triumphs are not limited to individual moments, however; Our Endless Numbered Days stuns, sedates, and fills from beginning to end. Iron and Wine (in any combination) have produced an understated of excessive beauty and lyricism.

[1 April 2004]

John Vanderslice: Cellar Door

John Vanderslice has created an album that’s mechanically precise, yet emotionally warm, and he’s given us characters who we’d rather avoid, but can’t help caring about.

[19 March 2004]

Mando Diao: Bring ‘Em In

After all, if the Beatles started off with R&B covers and became bigger than Jesus, surely Mando Diao can achieve that world domination they so badly crave.

Warren Zevon: VH1 (Inside) Out—Warren Zevon: Keep Me in Your Heart

The power of the film resides in Zevon's directness. He never seems to forget that he's dying, yet he keeps his life from taking on either a romantic sheen or a pitiful skin. [1 March 2004]