Justin Cober-LakeAbout Justin Cober-LakeJustin 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 DiscsIt'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 PastAfter 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 TownshendWith 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 1958-2006With 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 LightHalf 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 NarratorJustin 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 SpaceWhen 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 WhiteIn 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 VandersliceYou might guess that John Vanderslice knows the secrets of great recording, but who knew the same tricks worked for photography and filmmaking? Mechanic Organic ExclamationsWhat 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 RecordsMusic historian Colin Escot guides us through the Man in Black's earliest recordings. Letting the Secret Out of the BalkansSrdjan 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 BabiesAs 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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Honey HushPopular 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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Talk of the TownCober-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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) It’s Different for GirlsRounder 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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Gag OrderPink takes on the popular stupid girls, but only a little. [21 March 2006] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Feminine But Not FeministWhy 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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Playing AshamedA 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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Keeping an Eye on Mother and BabyDid 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] (more Never Mind the Bollocks) Reviews
Lackthereof: A Lackthereof Retrospective or I Was a Christian Emo TwentysomethingThis compilation offers more than its title suggests, even making an emo Christian compelling. [3 November 2009]
Think About Life: FamilyWith the sandpaper gone, these dance-rockers get more upbeat than ever. [2 November 2009]
Irma Thomas: The Soul Queen of New Orleans: 50th Anniversary CelebrationWhile 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 WorseThe duo provides a patient album that rewards patient listening. [25 October 2009]
Derek Webb: Stockholm SyndromeForget the swearing, Webb's created an album that's mesmerizing in its fullness. [1 October 2009]
Corey Harris: blu.blackThis world traveler takes us from his beginnings through his global explorations and back again. [27 September 2009]
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker: Burn It DownThe Dynamites do retro-soul with far more soul than retro. [13 September 2009]
The 5 O’Clock Shadowboxers: The Slow TwilightHip-hop debut proves neither easy to face nor difficult to hear. [3 August 2009]
Otis Taylor: Pentatonic Wars and Love SongsTaylor'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 BrownWhile 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 SouthThe 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 GuyFor 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! LiveFarris dazzles as a performer, but this almost-great recording falls between necessary and inessential. [8 May 2009]
Akron/Family: Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em FreeOn 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 FrostThe Lucksmiths surmount bad weather and self-imposed distance to find a stylish wetness. [17 December 2008]
Julian Koster: The Singing Saw at ChristmastimeThe 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: 1977Though 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 SessionsSometimes reminders are more stimulating than discoveries.
Mavis Staples: Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the HideoutWhen 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 BlossomsIt'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 WopThe kids might not be into doo wop, but they should be. [5 May 2008]
Kelley Stoltz: Circular SoundsStoltz cures hangovers with the sounds you haven't forgotten. [5 March 2008]
Jacqui Naylor: Smashed for the HolidaysSmashed 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 FarmerHelm 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 RevisitedThe forgotten Paisley Underground act gets fitting representation with its new reissue. [19 October 2007]
Chris Kenner: Land of 1000 DancesChris 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 PerfectFreezepop'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 YouOakley Hall loses some recklessness, but keeps it ugly as they continue their artistic ascension. [10 September 2007]
Code Pie: The Most Trusted Name in YousCode 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: FiddlersThe combination of great music and insightful notes makes this series as important as it is entertaining. [14 August 2007]
Various Artists: Virginia RootsDespite the great music, this roots collection comes up a little short on edification. [13 August 2007]
Danny!: Danny Is DeadDanny 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 HorseBowerbirds 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 MoneyThis cellist might have a pun in her stage name, but there's nothing funny about music this good.
Z-Trip: All ProDJ Z-Trip must just be playing around for this video game soundtrack. [19 July 2007]
Happy Music: The Best of the BlackbyrdsThe 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 WorldIf today was the end, you could do worse to listen to this compilation. [18 May 2007]
TV on the Radio: Live at Amoeba MusicIf 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 BandWhen 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 DeadOkkervil River provides a focused and complex pair of songs using unexpected colors and surprising tones. [1 May 2007]
The Bar-Kays: House PartyA 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 LivingThe 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 ThisGrand 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 BuildingWhile the opportunity for the spectacular might be there, the results don't quite get there. [15 March 2007]
Otis Taylor: Definition of a CircleTaylor sounds like he's struggling for a new sound, but he still delivers some quality performances. [27 February 2007]
My Brightest Diamond: DisappearMy Brightest Diamond's iTunes-only Disappear EP functions as a holdover between her two albums. [26 February 2007]
Cheeseburger: CheeseburgerCheeseburger's one of the more aptly-named bands out there right now. [20 February 2007]
Mute Math: Mute MathMute 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 3Townshend provides inessential but insightful look into his recording history. [11 December 2006]
The Close: Sun, BurnThe 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 HealingStrange Fruit Project offer help without condescension; it's just the kind of healing we can all use. [16 November 2006]
Feathers: SynchromyThis 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 FinkThe Sadies have no interest in making exceptional music, which is, of course, how really fun records get made. [24 October 2006]
The Citizens: Post Cro-Magnon DriftThe Citizens haven't done it yet, but they're about to hit their strange stride. [9 October 2006]
Keith Moon: Two Sides of the MoonThis 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 AlbumAdams might be a great vocalist, but this set doesn't have that one great performance he needs. [2 October 2006]
Black Helicopter: Invisible JetThis Invisible Jet provides a good ride, but stays a little short on thrust. [26 September 2006]
Various Artists: Doo-Wop Forever, Volume 2Doo-Wop collections focuses on unknown acts and songs, most of which don't deserve to be forgotten. [21 September 2006]
Thom Yorke: The EraserThe Radiohead solo album delivers what it didn't know it promised. [7 July 2006]
Evangelicals: So GoneThe Evangelicals are making up their own sport, with the rules slowly coming along. [6 July 2006]
John Lee Hooker, Jr.: Cold As IceHooker, 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 OrkestarA 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 TributesThe Futureheads provide the sort of control that leads to recklessness. [26 May 2006]
Soul Position: Things Go Better with RJ and AlSomebody has to take responsibility for this, and there are only two of you. [23 May 2006]
The Walkmen: A Hundred Miles OffI'm content when this music's on, but I'm not here to be content. [19 May 2006]
The BellRays: Have a Little FaithThe BellRays are the band that convince the MC5 they'd have been better off in Memphis. [17 May 2006]
NOMO: New TonesHeady 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 SunFaris Nourallah hides a complex worldview in direct pop songs. Smile as you resolve those philosophical dilemmas. [10 April 2006] P:ano: Ghost Pirates Without HeadsP:ano makes us wonder if we should engage the unengaged. [6 April 2006]
The Flaming Lips: At War with the MysticsFinally, the punk rockers are going into orbit. Again. [31 March 2006]
16 Horsepower: HoarseEdwards and company get resurrected; Flannery O'Connor runs for cover. [23 March 2006]
The Sounds: Dying to Say This to YouThe Sounds finds a delicate balance by balancing their delicacy. [20 March 2006]
Hard-Boiled Masculinities by Christopher BreuThe 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 StoryWhen 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 DyingGreat minds collide, but there's as much friction as there is heat. [2 March 2006]
Clearlake: AmberOn 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 RevisitedAn 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 1982-1988An 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]
The Joggers: With a Cape and a CaneThe latest from the Joggers stands as the epitome of indie, which somehow renders it inessential. [30 November 2005]
The Mars Volta: Scab DatesWhen these proggers go live, fans will love it and the haters will hate. [16 November 2005]
Wilco: Kicking Television: Live in ChicagoAuteur 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 FoldTaylor dazzles with a new album that makes feeling blue something very special. [1 November 2005]
Angels of Light & Akron/Family: Akron/Family & Angels of LightI'm going to keep telling you how good this band is until you listen to me. [31 October 2005]
Stevie Wonder: A Time to LoveIf you care about being cool, walk away now. We won't miss you. [28 October 2005]
The Fiery Furnaces: Rehearsing My ChoirArt-poppers overreach and turn in one of the year's biggest disappointments. [25 October 2005]
Deerhoof: The Runners FourDeerhoof 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 ExcitingThe most unpredictable moment on this album comes with its most normal track. [6 October 2005]
Shukar Collective: Urban GypsyI know it sounds strange, but bear with me on this one. [21 September 2005] Akron/Family + Great Lake SwimmersWhen 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]
Princess Superstar: My MachineFuturistic deconstruction was never so much fun!" [13 September 2005]
Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice: XIAOWooden 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 MonstersI 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 FloorHoteliers make a nice bed, but I'm not sure I can stay in it all night. [15 August 2005]
The Clumsy Lovers: Smart KidWe'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/ StatikDa Beatminerz probably aren't going to be on your shadow sibling's radio, but you can turn them on. [3 August 2005]
Colette: HypnotizedThe Singing DJ stumbles a few times, but doesn't spill her drink. [20 July 2005]
Corey Harris: Daily BreadCarib-Afro-blues meets ethics on the latest from a... traditionalist?" [18 July 2005]
Télépopmusik: Angel MilkFrench trio's sophomore release is less music for dancing than for the bookends of a night out. [7 July 2005]
Partyline: Girls With GlassesThe party line on this Partyline is simple: Fun, mildly nostalgic but altogether uninspiring. [6 July 2005]
The Heavenly States: Black CometGenre-blenders hide their secrets in words and sounds, but they don't give us an answer sheet. [5 July 2005]
Mem Shannon: I’m From PhunkvilleNew Orleans funk/jazz/bluesman sounds good, but that's part of the problem. [22 June 2005]
The Lucksmiths: Warmer CornersI 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 MarcusLike 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]
The Rosebuds: The Rosebuds UnwindAs 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 LampsIt's Friday night church time: disordered music and bizarre stories that mostly work out. [27 April 2005]
The Frames: Burn the MapsThe 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: ElevatorOn 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 SceneA surprising (and mildly eclectic) musical journey; sometimes lonely, other times just noisy... [31 March 2005]
M. Ward: Transistor RadioWith 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 SongsAs 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 KidFor 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 GoldWith 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-titledNew 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 HartIts 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 BombUnlike 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 BabesWe 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 DaysBeam’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 DoorJohn 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 InAfter 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 HeartThe 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] |
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