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Andrew GilstrapPopMatters Associate Music EditorAbout Andrew Gilstrap Andrew Gilstrap is a freelance writer living in South Carolina, where he’s able to endure the few weeks each year that it’s actually freezing (swearing a vow that if he ever moves, it’ll be even further south). Aging into a fine curmudgeon whose idea of heaven is 40 tree-covered acres away from the world, he increasingly wishes he were part of a pair of twins, just so he could try being the kinda evil one on for size. Musically, he’s always scouring records for that one moment that makes him feel like he’s never heard music before, but he long ago realized he needs to keep his copies of John Prine, Crowded House, the Replacements, Kate Bush, and Tom Waits within easy reach. Features
The Best Americana Music of 2008It did seem -- perhaps because of the genre's traditional real-world concerns -- like a lot of the year's best Americana releases sensed the storm clouds gathering. [18 December 2008] The Best Americana of 2007If 2007 didn't invite any gripping controversies, it was certainly filled with competitive comparisons -- between young and old, past and present, and among splintered factions -- and both surprising hits and disappointing misses. All in all, a dynamic and at times resurgent year for the broad scope of Americana. [18 December 2007] The Film Crew: Deep ThinkHollywood After Dark, Killers from Space, and a conversation with Mystery Science Theater 3000 alumni and The Film Crew member, Kevin Murphy, about RiffTrax and other stuff. [22 August 2007] Hard Hitting Blues: Walkin’ the Blues: Willie DixonDixon's stature only grew with the British Invasion. [28 June 2002] Columns
Truck Drivin’ Songwritin’ ManTrucking songs, with their heart-of-gold waitresses, foggy nights, heavy loads, and rolling tires, must hit some modern emotional sweet spot, and musicians on the road share a kindred spirit with truckers. [30 September 2009] (more Field Studies) They Killed John Henry but They Won’t Kill MeIn these days of economic turmoil, massive job losses, and corporate profiteering, you'd expect to hear more rewritings of the John Henry legend. [6 August 2009] (more Field Studies) Blood Meridian: The Last of the TrueCormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian has been called unfilmable, but that doesn't stop Ben Nichols from getting ahead of the game and crafting a worthy soundtrack. [8 June 2009] (more Field Studies) Heaven Can Wait ‘Til I Finish This RemixShould I die before I wake, I’d better make sure I’ve already got my iPod / mix-tapes / CDs/ vinyl in order. [25 March 2009] (more Field Studies) Art Imitates DeathOne of the misconceptions that Graeme Thomson deals with in his book I Shot a Man in Reno is that music about death is somehow out of the norm. In fact, death finds its way into pretty much every type of music. [30 January 2009] (more Field Studies) Bleary Eyed Duty: The Unflinching Testimony of David Eugene EdwardsIn a world where you can have a Christian version of pretty much any genre, Woven Hand's David Eugene Edwards is a real outlier because you wouldn't know where to put him if he were a secular artist. [17 November 2008] (more Field Studies) Vinyl: Got to Get You Into My LifeMaybe it's because current methods of listening aren't cutting it that I've started buying more vinyl. Not because it sounds better or evokes nostalgia, but because listening to vinyl is a more structured and formal experience. [24 July 2008] (more Field Studies) Righteous PathsThe Drive-By Truckers' live shows once played like a songwriters-in-the-round session with electric guitars and increasingly empty bottles of Jack Daniels. Then Jason Isbell came along -- and it only got better. [9 June 2008] (more Field Studies) Anger With Stoic DignityProtest music can go one of three ways: angry, storytelling, or communal. Sowing the Seeds is communal, meant to shore up the spirits of people who are locked together, arm-in-arm, to fight for a common cause. [21 March 2008] (more Field Studies) One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (A Eulogy for the E Street Sound)When it comes to his work with the E Street Band, Springsteen seems to have tempered or even jettisoned other songwriting trademarks, such as the sense of place that informed so many of his songs. [21 January 2008] (more Field Studies) Young Upstarts and Wily VeteransIf you thought Satan couldn't invent a few new rides for you, you obviously forgot that he's got all the time in the world and plenty of cheap labor -- and other thoughts on the 2007 roots music scene. [10 December 2007] (more Field Studies) The Cradle Will RockWhile my wife sings sea chantys to our baby, I'm finding plenty of dark, tranquil passages from Bruce Springsteen to help her sleep. Beats tales of the Black Death, miscarriages, and executions found in traditional nursery rhymes. [21 September 2007] (more Field Studies) ResurrectionsThe co-founder of the maverick reissue label the Numero Group talks about seeking out the eccentric, saving the unknown, and releasing only what you love. [23 July 2007] (more Field Studies) Collective ImpulsesThe wife disposing of her ex-husband's collection. The estate sale. The stash of records sold for pennies on the dollar because the water bill was overdue. Collecting music often depends on someone else's misfortune. [4 May 2007] (more Field Studies) 2006, Through Roots-Colored GlassesIt's the same old complaint every year, isn't it? You do what you can, you hear what you can, and you wait to see what takes root in your brain as a keeper. [20 December 2006] (more Field Studies) Wild AbandonIt may seem quaint now, even after punk's scorched-earth campaign, to think of '50s rockabilly as a danger to Western Civilization, especially in light of pop culture's rampant envelope-pushing since then. But a closer inspection would make even the seen-it-all cynics take pause. [25 September 2006] (more Field Studies) Reviews
Colin Hay:American SunshineFormer Men at Work frontman's doing just fine as a solo artist. [19 November 2009] 
Squirrel Nut Zippers: Lost at SeaLost at Sea is fun enough, but it mainly serves as a placeholder until the band's new material sees the light of day. [12 November 2009] 
Lucero:1372 Overton ParkOh what a difference Memphis horns, piano, female backup singers, some ballads, and genuine southern hip swagger can make. [23 October 2009] 
Chris Knight: Trailer IIKnight's talents have always been apparent, but these stripped-down versions manage to shine a new light on some formidable songs. [22 October 2009] 
Frank Turner: Poetry of the DeedTurner returns with another quality batch of passionate songs. [10 September 2009] 
Joe Henry: Blood from StarsPart blues, part jazz exploration, Blood from Stars may be Henry's best record yet. [18 August 2009] 
Soulsavers: BrokenAn incremental step forward from the Soulsavers' last effort, but definitely one in the right direction. [17 August 2009] 
Among the Oak & Ash: Among the Oak & AshJosh Joplin and Garrison Starr team up to tackle a dark collection of murder ballads. [13 August 2009] 
Jesse Harris: Watching the SkyA well-crafted effort that continues Harris's streak as a thoughtful songwriter. [18 June 2009] David SedarisDavid Sedaris' real strength lies in what This American Life's Ira Glass, speaking on this same stage about a month ago, called Sedaris’ ability to bring all of this sly humor home with emotional impact. [11 May 2009] 
The Venture Brothers: Season ThreeIn its third season, the show becomes more complicated than its origins as a Jonny Quest parody would indicate. [30 April 2009] Ira GlassAs funny as he was, Ira Glass seemed driven by a more serious mission. [6 April 2009] 
Clem Snide: Hungry BirdClem Snide return with maybe their darkest, most intricate record yet. [27 February 2009] 
This American Life: Season TwoThis program has the ability to find the unique center at the heart of stories you think you've heard a million times. [16 February 2009] 
Calexico: Live from Austin TX [DVD]When the band kicks into full-gear and those horns full of mariachi flourishes and adventure blast forth, it can make you imagine whole vistas unfolding in front of you. [1 February 2009] 
Various Artists: Awake, My Soul/Help Me to SingSomething old and something new: a stunning portrait of Sacred Harp singing and its legacy. [30 January 2009] 
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson: Rattlin’ BonesChambers and Nicholson come in under the radar with one of the year's best country discs. [21 January 2009] 
Otis Gibbs: Grandpa Walked a PicketlineGibbs continues to blend the personal and political. [18 January 2009] The Avett Brothers"I haven't witnessed that much church in years." [5 December 2008] 
Buddy Miller: The Best of the Hightone YearsA rather useful best-of for an artist who needs more exposure. [3 December 2008] 
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan: Sunday at Devil DirtYou could exhaust yourself coming up with ways to describe contrasts in their voices, when the real treat lies in the way they come together. [19 November 2008] 
U2: Live at Red RocksA Red Rocks show which became not only a watershed moment in U2's career, but also a piece of rock history. [6 November 2008] 
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: Season 3In their third season, the Smothers Brothers followed their consciences and lost their jobs. Forty years later, you can tell they don't regret a thing. [24 October 2008] 
Todd Snider: Peace QueerIf you get in early, Snider's latest is available for free. But if not, it's still money well spent. 
30 Rock: Season 2The jokes are smart, fast, and often too subtle to catch -- a welcome antidote to nearly every other sitcom out there. [9 October 2008] 
This American Life: Season 1This radio stalwart makes a surprisingly smooth move to the television screen. [3 October 2008] 
Pushing Daisies: The Complete First SeasonThis show piles quirk on top of quirk on top of quirk with no shame whatsoever, and pretty much gets away with it. [26 September 2008] 
Grayson Capps & the Stumpknockers: Rott ‘N’ RollCapps holes up in his farmhouse with some friends for a vibrant display of his talents. [23 September 2008] 
Son of RambowThis film's mix of surprising fantasy elements and wry humor makes for a fairly crafty portrayal of kids finding their way in the world. [8 September 2008] The Hold SteadyFor all of the junkies, hoodrats, overdoses, and blood to be found in the Hold Steady's songs, the entire point of the band's output is to cast an unflinching eye and lend a sympathetic voice. [25 August 2008] 
Pretty in PinkAt its heart, Pretty in Pink takes a fairly simplistic view towards relationships between rich and poor. 
The Cat Empire: So Many NightsHorns, horns, and more horns (plus a little Cuban-inspired rhythm) make for plenty of fun songs. [18 August 2008] 
Ben Weaver: The Ax in the OakBy stretching outside of singer/songwriter constraints, Weaver might finally be finding his voice. [14 August 2008] 
Sarah McLachlan: Fumbling Towards EcstacyThis Legacy Edition shines the spotlight on one of the best albums of the '90s. [11 August 2008] 
Luke Doucet and the White Falcon: Blood’s Too RichDoucet remembers that guitars can sound mean and even nasty, to good effect. [25 July 2008] 
Amelia: A Long, Lovely List of RepairsAmelia combines Americana with touches of some vague European sensibility. [24 July 2008] 
Stray Cats: Blast OffThis pair of albums should perhaps be viewed as the Stray Cats' final hurrah. [14 July 2008] 
Billy Idol: Idolize YourselfHits all the right spots covering Idol's 20-plus-year career. [10 July 2008] 
Jason Ringenberg: Best Tracks and Side TracksIt'd be hard to put together a better introduction to the former Jason and the Scorcher's leader's solo career. [8 July 2008] 
The Backsliders: You’re WelcomeFrom the opening track, this disc establishes itself as sturdy bar rock. [7 July 2008] 
Tab Benoit: Night Train to NashvilleThis isn't Benoit proving himself, but instead taking a victory lap that results in a fun, relaxed performance. [30 June 2008] 
His Name is Alive: Firefly Dragonfly EPFirefly Dragonfly may be one of the least assertive recordings in His Name Is Alive's catalog. [24 June 2008] 
Be Kind RewindUneven and a little muddled, Be Kind Rewind might be a prime candidate for the very fan remixing it portrays. [19 June 2008] 
Eef Barzelay: Lose BigThe evolution of Barzelay's songwriting continues, taking a more personal, serious turn. [18 June 2008] 
The Animation Show: Vol. 3For all the computer-generate animation, puppetry, line drawings, and stop-motion work, these are straightforward tales. [17 June 2008] 
The Dexateens: Lost and FoundA downloadable record so good you'll want to go back and pay the Dexateens twice. [27 May 2008] 
Matthew Ryan: Matthew Ryan Vs. the Silver StateRyan teams up with longtime friends to create robust music that's the equal of his weighty rasp. [14 April 2008] 
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Street SurvivorsThis reissue accomplishes exactly what we've come to expect from the best titles in the Deluxe Edition series, but that may not be enough for the regular fan. [9 April 2008] 
Bo Ramsey: FragileBo Ramsey is best known to some as a guitar force on Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. [8 April 2008] 
Counting Crows: Saturday Nights & Sunday MorningsThe Counting Crows raise a ruckus and then feel kinda bad about it, but lose sight of the more rewarding middle ground. [28 March 2008] 
Robyn Hitchcock: Robyn Hitchcock: Sex, Food, Death… and Insects [DVD]An interesting, if brief (at 59 minutes), look at Hitchcock's craft that goes off in a couple of intriguing directions. [25 March 2008] Kid RockYou can be as snarky as you want about some of the things you see -- I mean, I hadn't seen a bustier at a rock show since Madonna's heyday -- but you have to envy a crowd's willingness to fully give themselves over to a show. [21 March 2008] 
Highlander: The SourceThe Highlander films have made a cottage industry of testing fans' patience with pseudo-science nonsense and a ham-handed treatment of its own mythology. [20 March 2008] 
Jim White: Transnormal SkiperooWhite continues to prove himself as one of the most intriguing singer/songwriters in the biz. [3 March 2008] 
The Blind Boys of Alabama: Down in New OrleansThe Blind Boys spice up their winning gospel formula with some New Orleans flavor. [29 February 2008] 
The Selmanaires: The Air SalesmenFinally, a New Wave revival band who sound like they actually listened to a lot of New Wave music. [25 February 2008] 
Various Artists: Sowing the SeedsSowing the Seeds collects the best of Appleseed's run so far. [22 February 2008] 
Damien Rice: Live from the Union ChapelThere some things to like about Live From the Union Chapel -- just not enough of them. [18 February 2008] 
Tyler Ramsey: A Long Dream About Swimming Across the SeaThese days, Tyler Ramsey's probably best known for playing guitar with Band of Horses, but he's also forging a strong solo identity. [15 January 2008] 
Eels: Useless TrinketsTotaling 74 songs (not counting the DVDs), that's a lotta Eels! So it's surprising that these two collections leave you wanting to hear even more. [8 January 2008] 
Puerto Muerto: Heaven & DirtDon't let the subtitle fool you. Heaven & Dirt bears little resemblance to the film that supposedly inspired it. [19 December 2007] 
Scrubs: The Complete Sixth SeasonDespite an unnecessary return to J.D. and Elliott's relationship, Season Six still holds plenty of the Scrubs we look forward to. [4 December 2007] 
Mindy Smith: My HolidayDespite the fact that she has only two albums to her credit, Mindy Smith has quickly established herself as an intriguing artist who blends her faith into her music without sounding overly preachy. [30 November 2007] 
Ricky Skaggs and the Whites: Salt of the EarthOn their first true collaboration, Skaggs and the Whites immerse themselves in the gospel that's informed everything else they've done. [21 November 2007] 
Omar Kent Dykes and Jimmie Vaughan: On the Jimmy Reed HighwayTwo blues veterans pay fitting tribute to the blues legend who got them hooked as kids. [16 November 2007] 
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: This is SomewherePotter and the Nocturnals make the most of their major label debut, indulging their inner rockers. [8 November 2007] 
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Pride and Joy [DVD]It's anyone's guess how much rewatchability some of Vaughan's videos have, but Pride and Joy is a pretty thorough collection of what's out there. [5 November 2007] 
Ryan Bingham: MescalitoRyan Bingham's rasp speaks of a hard life, even if Mescalito sounds a little too safe at times. Several of Mescalito's songs indicate that Bingham might well be an artist to watch. [26 October 2007] 
The Simpsons: TestifySimpsons fans may find their souls a little less embiggened by Testify. [18 October 2007] 
J.J. Cale: RewindRewind won't hold any surprises for Cale's fans, but it's always a pleasure just to sit back and listen to him. [9 October 2007] 
David Dondero: Simple LoveSimple Love is an accomplished singer-songwriter effort that mixes evocative lyrics, some nimble guitar playing, and a strong sense of personal history. 
The Office: Season ThreeFans met the news of an American adaptation of The Office with outright skepticism, but it's safe to say that the American version of The Office has lost little of the original's sense of unease in its portrayal of the American workplace. [8 October 2007] 
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: 100 Days, 100 NightsJones' powerful voice and the Dap-Kings' soul expertise are a natural fit for each other. [1 October 2007] 
Mark Knopfler: Kill to Get CrimsonKill to Get Crimson, far more tranquil than its title suggests, might be the most cohesive of Knopfler's solo career. [27 September 2007] 
Knocked UpTaken as a straightforward comedy, Knocked Up is extremely satisfying. Taken as a more serious meditation on adulthood and priorities, though . . . [26 September 2007] 
Th’ Legendary Shack*Shakers: SwampbloodTh' Legendary Shack*Shakers continue shining a light on parts of the South that some folks try to forget -- and tear the roof off in the process. [20 September 2007] 
The Outer Limits: (The Original Series) - Volume 1Idealistic scientists, less idealistic military-industrial complexes, and governments of varying ethical strength are always creating things that they shouldn't in the real world and in The Outer Limits. [12 September 2007] 
Various Artists: Vee-JayTo say this is an education -- not only into the Vee-Jay label's history, but also into the growth of American popular music -- is an understatement. [6 September 2007] 
Paul Reddick: RevueRevue collects the best of Reddick's output, shining a spotlight on the variety that's marked his career. [31 August 2007] 
Sly and the Family Stone: Greatest HitsGreatest Hits is not only an excellent, high-spirited party disc, but it also serves as the perfect headstone for the optimism that defined the early part of Stone's career. [27 August 2007] 
Paul Simon: The Essential Paul SimonThe early stuff we all know about. The Essential Paul Simon makes an argument for checking in after Graceland. [17 August 2007] 
Shivaree: Tainted LoveTainted Love is an interesting diversion, but it's unlikely anything here will stand among Shivaree's best. [16 August 2007] 
Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers: Solid IceSolid Ice is, surprisingly, strongest on the instrumental tracks, where Thackery takes the time to see where his playing leads him. [15 August 2007] 
Cake: B-Sides and RaritiesA collection of covers (and a few revisited originals), Rarities and B-Sides finds Cake finding inspiration in the usual strange places. [14 August 2007] 
The Staple Singers: The Very Best of the Staple SingersAny Staple Singers collection is a celebration, even more so if it covers the Stax years. [10 August 2007] 
Kung Fu HustleIt's hard to watch Kung Fu Hustle without letting a smile creep onto your face. [31 July 2007] 
Block: The Last Single GuyBlock clearly revels in words and tweaked-out arrangements, but ironically, Single Guy might be at its most interesting when Block eases off the controls a bit. [25 July 2007] 
Abra Moore: On the WayYou'll continue to hear Moore in TV shows and movies, but her albums hold their own subtle rewards. [20 July 2007] 
Ever Since the World Ended (2001)These days, you can pick your apocalyptic poison from an almost endless menu. [11 July 2007] 
Scrubs - The Complete Fifth SeasonWithout a doubt, the show's writers saw the rich vein of laughs they could mine from what quickly became staples of the show. [5 July 2007] 
Van Morrison: The Best of Van MorrisonVan Morrison's had a pretty off decade -- or has he? [27 June 2007] 
Highlander - The Search for Vengeance (2007)Highlander: The Search for Vengeance is actually one of the better entries in the Highlander saga, although that's admittedly faint praise. [22 June 2007] 
Colin Hay: Are You Lookin at Me?It's his best (and probably one of the year's best singer/songwriter discs). [21 June 2007] 
Wintersleep: UntitledEvoking the grandeur of Jeff Buckley in spots and the precision of Rush in other. [18 June 2007] 
The Cowboy Junkies: At the End of Paths TakenPaths is as thorny and varied as its main theme: the idea of family. [6 June 2007] 
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs: Best of the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show, Vols 1 and 2 [DVD]Throw together some top-shelf bluegrass, some cornball humor, and some cooking tips, and you've got yourself a show! [25 April 2007] 
Todd Snider: Peace, Love and AnarchySnider gives us a peek into his workshop, and shows us that he puts his songs together with care -- but that he also has a little fun in the process. [6 April 2007] 
The Emperors Naked Army Marches On (1988)Despite its lack of resolution, this is a compelling film as it pulls the viewer back and forth between interpretations of Okuzaki, sometimes showing a man on a justified mission, sometimes portraying a man who's apparently happy only if he's causing trouble. [5 April 2007] 
Saturday Night Live: Best of Steve MartinSaturday Night Live had a lot of years where it simply wasn't funny, but the promise of Steve Martin hosting the show was always enough to ignite a flicker of hope. [23 March 2007] 
Gomez: Five Men in a Hut [DVD]Five Men in a Hut collects the band's videos and some odd pieces, but doesn't satisfy. [4 March 2007] 
Patty Griffin: Children Running ThroughIn the end, you have the usual excellent Patty Griffin record, but not for the usual reasons. [26 February 2007] 
Dolorean: You Cant WinDolorean's latest began in a very dark place for Al James; this is the sound of him working his way out. 
Southern Culture on the Skids: Countrypolitan FavoritesThis SCOTS curveball, an ode to Nashville's countrypolitan sound, actually makes a ton of sense. [21 February 2007] 
Slayer (2006)Slayer isn't great, and it isn't a hopeless failure, but it's not especially noteworthy, either. [20 February 2007] 
Half-Cocked: Half-Cocked [DVD]A thorough portrait of the music scene around Chattanooga / Nashville / Louisville circa 1994. [12 February 2007] 
Crowded House: Farewell to the WorldTen years after they exited the stage, Crowded House still sound fresh and vital on this anniversary release. [2 February 2007] 
Rosemary Clooney: Come On-a My HouseFar from perfect, Come On-a My House still showcases Clooney in her prime. [11 January 2007] 
Tab Benoit: Best of the Bayou BluesBenoit offers something different: it's blues, but with a healthy dollop of Louisiana spice. [6 December 2006] 
Jeff Beck: Truth and Beck-OlaThe liner notes to these reissues find Beck to be proud, combative, honest, and reflective -- pretty much a parallel to the often fierce music on these seminal albums. [29 November 2006] 
Joan Osborne: Pretty Little StrangerThis is country in a Roseanne Cash or Kim Richey vein: meticulously crafted, understated, and loaded with material that less subtle singers will probably turn into megahits. [27 November 2006] 
Gomez: Five Men in a HutFairly comprehensive, and loads of fun, this is the way an odds 'n' sods collection should be done. [13 November 2006] 
Alice in Chains: The Essential Alice in ChainsAlice in Chains compilations are nothing new, but this one comes closest to getting it right. 
Neko Case: Live from Austin TX [DVD]Blacklisted placed Case on plenty of year's best lists, but this Austin City Limits broadcast may have been her true coming out party. [5 November 2006] 
Los Lobos: The Town and the CityIt's easy to take Los Lobos for granted; this album just might fix that. [28 September 2006] 
Richard Buckner: MeadowBuckner continues to follow his muse into thorny territory, but its worth the scratches to follow him. [11 September 2006] Tom WaitsWe're all as mad as hatters here... [1 August 2006] 
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash: 16 Biggest Hits16 Biggest Hits seems to trace the pair's evolution from passionate youngsters to a comfortable old couple. [30 June 2006] 
Johnny Cash: American V: A Hundred HighwaysCash walks into the sunset with a surprisingly gentle meditation on mortality. 
Alejandro Escovedo: The Boxing MirrorEscovedo's brush with death yields one of his best records. [26 June 2006] 
Matthew Sweet: GirlfriendGirlfriend sounds as vibrant and essential as it did when it hit the streets 15 years ago. [15 June 2006] 
Scott Miller & the Commonwealth: CitationIt's OK to miss the V-Roys, but Scott Miller's come a long way since then. [18 April 2006] Spoon + The Rosebuds + The SpecsJack Daniel's! Jack Daniel's! Jack Daniel's! Jack Daniel's! [14 April 2006] 
Calexico: Garden RuinGarden Ruin sounds a bit like Calexico followed their muse out into the uncharted desert as far as they could, and then returned to town to shower, shave, reflect, and stock up on supplies [12 April 2006] 
Eef Barzelay: Bitter HoneyFans of Clem Snide need little convincing that Eef Barzelay is a gifted songwriter. [28 March 2006] 
Southern Culture on the Skids: Doublewide and LiveA barn-burning live set that, unfortunately, leaves you wanting more. [20 March 2006] 
ZZ Top: 2006 ReissuesMuch-needed reissues that don't answer every question that they need to. [28 February 2006] 
Eels: Eels with Strings: Live at Town Hall [DVD]In its best moments, Live at Town Hall completely draws you in, and when it's not reaching those lofty heights, it's still a solid performance. [17 February 2006] 
Various Artists: Dream BrotherFor all the good intentions radiating from Dream Brother, the Buckleys' story gets a bit muddled. [25 January 2006] 
Fleetwood Mac: Men of the World: The Early YearsEarly Fleetwood Mac is one of rock's forgotten treasures; Men of the World, however, isn't the place to start. [29 November 2005] 
Kate Bush: AerialTwelve years is a long time, but Bush's latest shows that she's still one of the most unique artists out there. [17 November 2005] 
Hank Williams: Turn Back the Years: The Essential Hank Williams CollectionIt attempts to wrestle Williams' body of work into manageable chunks, to show that this wasn't a guy who just churned out country songs indiscriminately, but an artist who documented the major facets of his life. [10 November 2005] WilcoThe presence of one six-year-old girl changed everything... [28 October 2005] 
Magnolia Electric Co.: Hard to Love a Man EPJason Molina and company show that they still have energy to spare. [11 October 2005] 
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals: Jacksonville City NightsRyan Adams returns to the plaintive pedal steel and late-night quiet that got him on everyone's radar in the first place. [3 October 2005] 
B.B. King: Chronicles: 3 Classic AlbumsThis is prime B.B. King, and you'd be hard pressed to find anything better, either in his catalog or anywhere else in the blues. [1 August 2005] 
Sinead O’Connor: CollaborationsIn every case on Collaborations, you're reminded of two things that should actually be very hard to forget: O'Connor's voice is gorgeous, and she rarely competes with the song. [8 July 2005] 
The White Stripes: Get Behind Me SatanWhat may be surprising is how easily it leaves the electric guitar in its case, in favor of piano, marimbas, and a production aesthetic that recalls the dull haze of the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street. [20 June 2005] 
Los Super Seven: Heard It on the XIf you were able to pick up these 'outlaw' stations coming from just south of the Texas/Mexico border, then you got a wild, eclectic mix that included rock, norteno, country, Texas swing, and R&B that the mainstream American stations were afraid to play. [4 April 2005] 
Tab Benoit: Fever for the BayouBenoit combines the fire of a young buck with the reverence of a true believer. [18 March 2005] 
Indigo Girls: All That We Let InAll That We Let In isn’t an earth-shaking album—it doesn’t even shake up the Indigo Girls catalog. But it’s certainly a comfortable continuation of the band’s work, and shouldn’t lose any of its appeal over time. [26 March 2004]
Steve Earle: SidetracksSidetracks is Earle’s collection of what he calls “stray songs”, songs that never made it to albums, or which can only be found on obscure compilations, soundtracks, or import editions of his albums. [18 June 2002]
Buffy the Vampire SlayerTo think of Willow and Tara only in terms of their lesbianism is to do a disservice to lovers who were fully realized, regardless of their gender or orientation. [10 June 2002] 
Lambchop: Is a WomanIt’s a difficult album, despite its warm and friendly feel, and it doesn’t stand a chance in seven hells of yielding anything remotely resembling a hit. [19 February 2002]
Ryan Adams: GoldGold feels like a record hiding behind masks. Maybe Adams has spent so many years laying his heart out on the line that he’s trying to create a little distance [11 September 2001]
Ben Folds: Rockin’ the SuburbsFor most of his career, Ben Folds has thrived on examining those things that needle and surprise us from within -- even in his fictional narratives, you can sense very real experiences whispering from the shadows. Beneath the versatile Tin Pan Alley flourishes and Randy Newmanesque pop sheen of his songs, Folds's attitude ranges from heartfelt to smirking to unforgiving (sometimes all three at once). [10 September 2001] 
David Gray: A Century Ends / The EPs 92-94 / FleshI can't imagine what made David Gray change his style. Perhaps there was some personal tragedy or triumph. Maybe it was the frustration of trying to break through, or maybe it was an electrical life-changing charge that went through him on hearing some new piece of music. Whatever it was, Gray stands poised to make some quality, affecting pop in the years to come. [9 July 2001] BlogsNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears [23 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Music Day 4: SolangeNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: Dexter Romweber DuoNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: Ha Ha TonkaNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: EarlimartNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: Dead ConfederateNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: 13ghostsNotes from the Road: Music Day 3: Jail Guitar Doors Showcase [22 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Music Day 3: Alela DianeNotes from the Road: Music Day 3: Southeast EngineNotes from the Road: Music Day 4: The RosebudsNotes from the Road: Music Day 3: Six Degrees of Memphis Party [21 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Music Day 3: The ThermalsNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: The Avett BrothersNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: The Wrens [20 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Music Day 2: Daniel Johnston and the HymnsNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: The Heavenly StatesNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: The DonkeysNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: Oh SusannaNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: Primal ScreamNotes from the Road: Music Day 2: 43 Songs For 43 U.S. PresidenciesNotes from the Road: Music Day 1: NPR Showcase [19 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Music Day 1: Grant HartNotes from the Road: Music Day 1: Joe PugNotes from the Road: Music Day 1: Ezra FurmanNotes from the Road: Music Day 1: GlossarySound Affects: Paul Westerberg’s 49:00 [22 July 2008]Consuming Consumables: Various Artists: Vee-Jay: The Definitive Collection [$59.98] [11 December 2007]Consuming Consumables: Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs: Best of the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show, Vols 1 and 2 [$19.99 each]Consuming Consumables: Various Artists: Rockin’ Bones: 1950s Punk & Rockabilly [$69.98] [12 December 2006] |
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:. Director Spotlight: Pedro Almodóvar :. The Iconographies: Masters of Horror Manga: Kazuo Umezu and Hideshi Hino
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The Rockist: We All Know the Way to Sesame Street Worlds in Panels: What We Talk About When We Talk About Supergirl’s Shorts
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Short Ends and Leader: Poitier Portraying Another Magic Negro: She’s Blind, So Race Don’t Matter
Music
:. AC/DC: Backtracks :. Sufjan Stevens: Run Rabbit Run + The BQE (CD/DVD) :. Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound :. Robyn Hitchcock: I Often Dream of Trains in New York [DVD] :. Lowlights: Further/Free :. Sondre Lerche: Heartbeat Radio :. Jupiter One: Sunshower
Books
:. The Original of Laura by Vladimir Nabokov :. The City Out My Window: 63 Views on New York by Matteo Pericoli
News
:. ‘Modern Warfare 2’ video game scores record sales in launch :. INTERVIEW:Tom Arnold is a lovable loser , and open about it :. Jazz pianist reflects on his influences in his first piano concerto :. INTERVIEW:Wes Anderson meets Roald Dahl in ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ :. INTERVIEW:It’s ‘Tuesday Night’ again for Sheryl Crow :. Libraries turning a page with cafes, chat rooms and flat screens
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