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Christel LoarAbout Christel LoarChristel Loar is a freelance writer and editor, a part-time music publicist, and a full-time music fan. She is often an overreactor and sometimes an overachiever. When not dodging raindrops or devising escape plans, Christel is usually found down front and slightly left of center stage reveling in a performance by yet another new favorite band. Features
The Beautiful One: Prince and the Fashion of Purple RainSome people say that Purple Rain cemented Prince's image because of its music. Christel Loar argues it was that ruffled white shirt. In a personal tale, Loar shows us just how the influential fashion of Purple Rain defined herself and her friends, and what lessons a piece of big mainstream entertainment can teach us all. [2 June 2009] Pat Green’s Dance Halls and DreamersPreserving the history, the music, and the good times (Texas' "holy trinity"), this is a big, beautiful love letter to the places and the people that make Texas music history [4 June 2008] Reviews
My Dinner With JimiKaylan's recollection of the wild night when he and his band met Donovan, The Beatles, Brian Jones and Jimi Hendrix is an amazing portrait filled with fabulous performances and plenty of humor. [25 June 2009] 
Sonic Boom by Peter BelchaThis traces the origins and chronicles the progression, proliferation and perseverance of that singular sound and in doing so, honors the legacy and sonic identity of the area and its artists. [19 June 2009] 
8 Simple Rules: Season TwoThis does a fantastic job honoring the late John Ritter and preserving his memory, while also remembering to be a great comedy. [18 June 2009] 
Colin Blunstone: The Ghost of You and MeOne of the most unique and beautiful voices of the last 40-plus years, Colin Blunstone falls short with songs that fail to do justice to his gifts. [16 June 2009] 
Rhett Miller: Rhett MillerRhett Miller's self-titled fourth solo album is a continuously captivating collection where harmony and heartache meet with sharp wit. [12 June 2009] 
Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers: Pandemonium EnsuesPandemonium Ensues is Glenn Tilbrook's third solo album since fronting Squeeze, and though it suffers from some spotty moments, it provides plenty of the magical melodic gifts for which Tilbrook is known, along with several pleasing sonic surprises. [28 May 2009] 
Jeeves and WoosterStephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are a perfect pair as the beloved and hilarious Jeeves & Wooster in this eight disc, complete series set. [27 May 2009] 
Okkervil River: Pop Lie EPOkkervil River's Pop Lie explores our roles in creating celebrity and deconstructing dreams, with the swirling sugar-rush of synthesizers and irresistible high-energy hook of the single. [11 May 2009] 
The Fall and Rise of Reginald PerrinReginald Perrin has some wonderfully bright moments, for a man losing his mind. 
Ian McLagan & the Bump Band: Never Say NeverBacked by the Bump Band,legendary rocker Ian McLagan is in fine form, his voice filled with memories and milestones, and carrying a comforting feeling on the sad songs as well as the rave-ups. [24 April 2009] 
Magic in the Night: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen by Rob KirkpatrickThis book is a great overview for the Springsteen novice, and although it borrows heavily from previous works, it will undoubtedly thrill collectors and completists. 
Anna KareninaThis 1961 BBC production of Tolstoy's classic starring Claire Bloom and Sean Connery is a beautifully acted, gorgeously shot little gem -- worthy of the masterpiece it interprets. 
Dana Gould: Let Me Put My Thoughts Into YouDana Gould's talent as a writer is as important as the non-stop laugh-out-loud jokes in this magnificent return to the stand-up comedy special. [8 April 2009] 
Jeff Beck: Performing This Week…Live at Ronnie Scott’sJeff Beck is joined by guests Joss Stone, Imogen Heap and Eric Clapton for some truly incredible performances during a week-long residency at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. [6 April 2009] 
Rory Gallagher Live in CorkThis fiery set showcases virtuoso guitarist Rory Gallagher at his peak. The performance is an incendiary surge of energy and electrifying songs. [1 April 2009] 
Hunter S. Thompson: An Insider’s View of Deranged, Depraved, Drugged Out Brilliance by Jay CowanThis isn't just a chronological carnival ride through the Freak Power funhouse. Sure there are plenty of fantastic stories, but it's all framed around the writing. The word is king. [30 March 2009] 
My Two DadsThough predictable as only an '80s sitcom can be, this is still fairly pleasant family fare. 
The Odd CoupleMore than 40 years after its original release, the brilliant comedy writing and pitch-perfect performances make the film a comedic classic, the new bonus features make this the version to own. [26 March 2009] 
Harlem Shakes: Technicolor HealthHopeful hooks and high harmonies combined with witty wordplay and world rhythms backed up by an irresistible energy create complex pleasure-pop. [24 March 2009] 
Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks:Tangled TalesDan Hicks brings a little blues and a little country, a dash of jazz and a bit of bluegrass, all sewn up in some swing to set your toes tapping. [23 March 2009] 
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears: Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! bursts with incendiary soul and funk firepower as Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears delivers ten tracks of dynamite. [16 March 2009] 
Obscene: A Biography of the Life and Career of Renowned Publisher Barney RossetA fierce, funny and informative look at the most influential publisher of the 20th century, from Rosset's literary firsts to his crusade against censorship and continuing cultural impact. [13 March 2009] 
Portrait of Petula ClarkA 1969 television special, this features 16 songs, various international locations and several guest stars, but will primarily be of interest to those who are already fans. [12 March 2009] 
Skatalites - Live at Lokerse Feesten 1997 & 2002Not only does this feature some of the most talented musicians in the world playing some of the most irresistible songs, it's a perfect presentation of one of the most influential and enduring forces in music. [11 March 2009] 
The Universe of Keith HaringIt's not about the message in Haring's art that makes it still so vital; it's about the irrepressible energy behind the message, the inherent expression of joy. [6 March 2009] 
Bewitched: The Complete Seventh SeasonThe more I see of this show I wonder why, in all those years, Samantha didn't just turn Larry Tate into a toad and have done with it. [25 February 2009] 
B.B. King: Live in Africa ‘74B.B. King IS the blues, and this concert irrevocably proves that fact. 
The Beverly Hillbillies: The Official Third SeasonThis is as complete a DVD set as any fan could wish for, and the comedy holds up incredibly well after more than 40 years. [24 February 2009] 
Flashdance: I Love the 80’s EditionFlashdance is probably one of the most enduring and uplifting films from the '80s, but this I Love the 80's Edition is lacking in any feel-good features. [23 February 2009] 
Sabrina The Teenage Witch: The Fifth SeasonOur spell casting sweetie is growing up and going off to college, and the show matures beautifully, as well. [18 February 2009] 
Children of the StonesThe strangest kiddie cult classic in British television history, with plenty of spooky sci-fi plot points to entertain young and old alike, finally gets North American release. [17 February 2009] 
Roger Joseph Manning, Jr.: Catnip DynamiteAn absolutely irresistible aural explosion of sparkling, spaced-out power pop and platform-stomping glam rock! 
Le Pop - Les Filles - Les Chansons De La Nouvelle Scène FrançaiseOnce again, Le Pop provides les meilleurs of Nouvelle Chanson. This time it's the best from the female artists of the new French pop! [12 February 2009] 
Dave’s World: The Second SeasonThe people that populate this show aren't special, they aren't hip or high concept. They're regular people with regular problems. They're just like the rest of us, only funnier. [5 February 2009] 
Night Court: The Complete Second SeasonLadies and Gentlemen! Step right up! See the side-splitting sideshow in a chaotic carnival of comedy! [4 February 2009] 
Ben Kweller: Changing HorsesIn Changing Horses Kweller has slipped seamlessly into a country stream of songwriting tradition, and all signs say it suits him. [3 February 2009] 
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon EmperorI've never been so eager to skip past the story to get to the special features. [2 February 2009] 
Axton Kincaid: Silver DollarsAxton Kincaid incorporates California country-rock and Kentucky bluegrass, evokes new Nashville and classic country, and never worries about whether these elements are meant to mix on Silver Dollars. The result is pure gold. [29 January 2009] 
The Whore Moans : Hello from the Radio WastelandFerocious, glorious noise and raw, ragged energy elevate The Whore Moans already solid garage rock and soul-spiked punk sound. [27 January 2009] 
The Master Musicians of Jajouka with Bachir Attar: Jajouka Live Vol. 1Jajouka Live Vol.1 has moments which are prime examples of the spellbinding power and the extreme expression of peace inherent in this music. [12 January 2009] 
The Story of the YardbirdsFocusing on guitarists Clapton, Beck and Page, this gathers amazing archival footage and interviews with the surviving members of "The Most Blueswailing" British band of the '60s. [7 January 2009] 
Please Please Me: Sixties British Pop, Inside Out by Gordon ThompsonThis book is one of the most thorough, as well as one of the most entertaining and engaging, treatises on the topic yet written. [19 December 2008] 
Charmed: The Complete SeriesGorgeously bound and illustrated with some of the stunning artwork seen in the Halliwell Book of Shadows throughout the show, this DVD set is sure to be coveted almost as much for its powerful presentation as for the enchanting episodes inside. [18 December 2008] 
Waylon Jennings Live from Austin, TX ‘84An incendiary performance on an iconic stage from a larger-than-life legend like this is mighty special. [5 December 2008] 
Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer: American NoelOriginals and interpretations of holiday classics. [4 December 2008] 
Dusty! Queen of the Postmods by Annie J. RandallAs Randall thoroughly explores, Dusty Springfield's physical transfiguration and visual impact were only the tip of her transformation. [2 December 2008] 
Composing the Beatles Songbook: Lennon and McCartney 1966-1970When the viewer is presented with portions of interviews with a panel of experts—including Beatles friends and biographers, journalists, broadcasters and eminent musicologists--things really pick up. 
Make It WorseSlimfit's Make It Worse is an authentic, and excellent, example of American roots music. [13 November 2008] 
Wild Boy: My Life in Duran DuranBehind the scenes, beneath the make-up and Anthony Price suits, the book lacks a sense of depth. [5 November 2008] 
Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s: Not AnimalNot Animal isn't exactly what the band wants it to be, but it is an interesting record in the musical evolution of the group and it does have a few thoroughly gorgeous, charming pieces of chamber pop. 
James Brown: Double DynamiteJames Brown: Double Dynamite isn't in the extras, it's in the music. It's in the man. [30 October 2008] 
This Is Radio Freedom: This Is Radio FreedomThis Is Radio Freedom is a call to action that is not be ignored! [28 October 2008] 
Jobriath: Jobriath/Creatures of the StreetA star that never shone, Jobriath may at last take his rightful place in the firmament of fame with these reissues of his only two studio releases. [17 October 2008] 
Roy Orbison: Roy Orbison - The Soul of Rock and RollHis music and his voice, his legend and his legacy, the long shadow he casts over every rock and roll singer to step into a spotlight since, that's why Roy Orbison is The Soul of Rock and Roll! [16 October 2008] 
The Partridge Family: The Complete Third SeasonThe Partridges personify the meaning of family as they parade through a series of unlikely incidents with a smile and a song. This is TV comfort food, with a sweet tooth. [14 October 2008] 
Elvis: Return to TupeloBefore Memphis and the world made him king, Tupelo made him Elvis. [2 October 2008] 
Heroes: Season 2Season 2 of Heroes had a lot to live up to. Some say it didn't quite succeed. This four-disc box set, loaded with extraordinary extra features, puts things right. [2 September 2008] 
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: I Love the 80s editionThe film—and Ferris—is still as fresh and fun, witty and irreverent as ever. It’s a true classic, a pinnacle of its genre. [27 August 2008] 
Rock ‘n’ Roll Babylon: 50 Years of Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ RollWhether it's an about-face, religious conversion denouncing former indulgences or a sincere effort to remain faithful or get clean, there are a lot of rockers quick to blame all of their sins on rock 'n' roll. [22 August 2008] 
Hotel Lights: Firecracker PeopleHotel Lights' songs are deceptively quiet and unassuming, yet have the capacity to steal a way into your soul. [19 August 2008] 
Eddie Floyd: Eddie Loves You SoStax songwriting and recording legend returns with a batch of classics and unheard gems. [18 August 2008] 
Earth: The BiographyBoth entertaining and informative, this is magnificently shot and perfect for repeated viewing. [15 August 2008] 
Ska’d For Life: A Personal Journey With The Specials by Horance PanterHorace Panter, bassist for second wave ska pioneers, The Specials, tells his tale with equal parts wit and class. [7 August 2008] 
Willie Nelson: An Epic Life by Joe Nick PatoskiHe's an original American hero, a sinner, and a saint; a singer, a songwriter, a picker and a philosopher; a pot-smoker, a Texan and a gentleman ... he's Willie Nelson. [1 August 2008] 
Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass MusicInformative and educational, intriguing and entertaining, part American history lesson, part biography and part concert film. [31 July 2008] 
The Hard Lessons: B & G SidesThe Hard Lessons pack Volumes 1-4 of B & G Sides into one set, and create a stellar singles collection. [29 July 2008] 
Coming to Wherever You Are - Muchmusic, MTV and Youth Identities by Kip PegleyA comparative study of MuchMusic and MTV that examines how each relates to issues and perceptions of gender and nationality, racial diversity, and an overall sense of cultural identity. [17 July 2008] 
Jason Falkner: Bedtime With The Beatles Part TwoBilled as for sending young ears off to dreamland, Jason Falkner's brilliant reimagining of classic Beatles songs proves pleasant for infants and insomniacs alike. [30 June 2008] 
Cinderpop: A Lesson in ScienceCinderpop combines essential elements and creates new compounds in the search for the secret formula of song, and along the way discovers the magic potion for modern pop. [18 June 2008] 
Tell the Truth Until They Bleed—Coming Clean in the Dirty World of Blues and Rock ‘n’ RollEverything you never knew about the dark side of the blues and rock 'n' roll: the architects and the artists, the legends and the liars, the famously acclaimed and the anonymously unsung. [12 June 2008] 
Various Artists: The Mighty Striker Shoots at HitsVintage tracks from legendary Jamaican producer Bunny "Striker" Lee. [3 June 2008] 
Shearwater: RookFollowing the critically acclaimed Palo Santo, Shearwater raises the bar with Rook. [30 May 2008] 
Jon Dee Graham Swept Away: A Rock and Roll DocumentaryPart portrait-of-the-artist and part concert documentary, Swept Away is an intimate look at the life and work of Austin songwriter and musician Jon Dee Graham. 
Cocoa Tea: Reggae Anthology: The Sweet Sound of Cocoa TeaTwo-disc retrospective of one of the most enduring and influential artists in reggae over the last 30 years. [23 May 2008] 
Wake Robin: The TakerNorthwest rockers Wake Robin thrive on The Taker, with a flourish of songwriting prowess and musical proficiency. [15 May 2008] 
Norman Kelsey: A Talent for LovingNorman Kelsey has a talent for loving... and for funky R&B, sexy slow jams and unstoppable dance hits! [13 May 2008] 
Port O’Brien: All We Could Do Was SingPort O'Brien's full-length debut delivers on the promise of previous releases and the forecasts of famous fans. [12 May 2008] 
Switches: Lay Down the LawThe unrelentingly sexy, guitar-driven dance rock and harmony-heavy glam pop American debut from Switches. [1 May 2008] 
The Gossip: Live in LiverpoolDance-punk darlings the Gossip get live -- and loud -- in Liverpool. [21 April 2008] 
The Autumns: Fake Noise from a Box of ToysThe Autumns continue their quest to deliver rock music that feeds your brain. [17 April 2008] 
Da Willys: Get UglyDa Willys remind us of a more dangerous time in music with Get Ugly's dirty DIY blues-punk. [15 April 2008] 
Santana: Multi-Dimensional WarriorA two-disc anthology spanning Santana's years at Columbia, Polydor, and Arista, providing a peek into the spiritual side of one of music's most revered innovators. [2 April 2008] 
De Novo Dahl: Move Every Muscle, Make Every SoundDe Novo Dahl make discombobulated dance music for the psychedelic cartoon cowboy and the flashback kid. [1 April 2008] 
Lucy Bland: Down to Sea LevelLucy Bland's swells of strings and bursts of electronic experimentation create lush, endearing indie-rock. [21 March 2008] 
13ghosts: The Strangest Colored LightsSouthern rock, spiritual psychedelia, magnificent poetry and masterful playing converge on 13ghosts' monumental fourth album. [20 March 2008] 
Doctors & Dealers: Confessions of a Drunken MindA delightfully simple and utterly charming collection of slightly retro pop songs. [11 March 2008] 
Bell X1: FlockAn album full of airborne anthems, celestial epics, and rock 'n' roll! [6 March 2008] 
Jessie Lee Miller: WaitingOn Waiting, Miller recalls the stars of country’s golden era, but she widens her stylistic palette to include rhythm and blues, big band jazz, rockabilly, and even a few little touches of Tejano. [7 February 2008] BlogsConsuming Consumables: Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock and Roll [8 December 2008]Sound Affects: Live From Abbey Road - Episode 12 [4 September 2008]Sound Affects: Live from Abbey Road - Episode 11 [28 August 2008]Sound Affects: Live from Abbey Road - Episode 10 [21 August 2008]Sound Affects: Live From Abbey Road - Episode 9 [13 August 2008]Sound Affects: Live from Abbey Road - Episode 8 [7 August 2008]Sound Affects: Live From Abbey Road - Episode 7 [31 July 2008]Sound Affects: Live from Abbey Road - Episode 6 [24 July 2008]Sound Affects: Live From Abbey Road - Show 5 [17 July 2008]Sound Affects: Live from Abbey Road - Episode Four [8 July 2008] |
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