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Lou FriedmanFeatures
Well Well Well…: R.L. Burnside 1926-2005R.L. Burnside: A typical Mississippi bluesman of yore blazed an atypical path on the way to a late-blossoming, eclectic career. [14 September 2005] Reviews
The Black Keys: Attack & ReleaseDan and Patrick have decided to abandon the old blues garage for a more modernized one, but they somehow manage to retain most of the dirt and musty smell. [2 April 2008] 
Otis Taylor: Recapturing the BanjoMany people would be surprised that the banjo's origin came from Africa, not the Appalachians. Otis Taylor, along with a cadre of fellow blues musicians, is here to remind you of that. [13 March 2008] 
Eric Clapton: Complete ClaptonThe problem isn't with Eric Clapton's musical ability, it's with the sham of a title of this current collection. [6 November 2007] 
Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never EndsProg rock has gone the way of the 8-track. But Emerson, Lake & Palmer were at the top of the heap when it was a happening thing, and their live show was an actual treat. [11 October 2007] 
Ministry: The Last SuckerUncle Al is taking his Ministry moniker and riding off into the sunset, but he's not going quietly. [20 September 2007] 
Benny Goodman: The Essential Benny GoodmanA spirited romp through the archives of THE "King of Swing". [14 August 2007] RushWhile very few people openly admit to loving Rush these days, the packed house at the Jones Beach Theater shows that there are closet cases aplenty. [16 July 2007] 
Jethro Tull: The Best of Acoustic Jethro TullYou remember the song "Teen Angst" by Cracker? Well, does the world need yet ANOTHER Jethro Tull compilation? [22 June 2007] Arcade FireThough we've reviewed them recently, PopMatters' Lou Friedman takes Arcade Fire on post-record release, and, in keeping with a time-honored tradition, makes a pre-mature pronouncement. [25 May 2007] 
Ian Hunter: Shrunken HeadsAt the tender age of 68, Ian Hunter has not yet retreated gracefully into retirement. Who else can put out a solid mix on just his second proper studio record in 24 years? [16 May 2007] 
Primus: They Cant All Be ZingersThere is no middle ground with Primus; you either loved them or hated them. Many loved them when "alternative" was a radio format. This is a good Primus primer. [1 March 2007] 
Johnny Cash: At San QuentinJohnny Cash had visited many penal institutions throughout his life -- sometimes as a guest, other times, an occupant. Turned out that his visit to San Quentin yielded one of the greatest country albums ever made. [15 November 2006] 
Scott H. Biram: Graveyard ShiftThe Devil manifests himself in some cagey ways, musically speaking. Case in point: Scott H. Biram. [2 November 2006] 
Heartless Bastards: All This TimeNo sophomore slump here. In fact, the Heartless Bastards greatly improved upon their debut, Stairs and Elevators. [10 October 2006] 
Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man StandingSun Records, the IRS, alcohol, and marrying his 13-year-old second cousin had been the brunt of Jerry Lee Lewis' legacy -- until now. Here's a "duets" record that actually works completely. [6 October 2006] Roger WatersLadies & gentlemen! Presenting one of the two greatest Pink Floyd cover bands in the free world. [14 September 2006] 
Billy Joel: 12 Gardens LiveI know, another Billy Joel compilation? Live, even? Yes, but standing on its own, 12 Gardens Live is actually a very good listen. [31 August 2006] Los LobosNot only has the wolf survived; it's stronger than ever. [30 August 2006] RancidACOUSTIC RANCID?!??? I'm so confused... [24 August 2006] George Thorogood & the DestroyersGiddyup! This one trick pony rides that bad bitch down... [19 August 2006] Steely Dan + Michael McDonaldThere's no middle ground -- you either get Steely Dan, or you don't. Of course, there's always room for new recruits... [16 August 2006] John Fogerty + Willie NelsonBoth John Fogerty and Willie Nelson have been musically reborn, but are they better for it? [10 August 2006] Béla Fleck & the FlecktonesGuitar gods are a dime a dozen, but jazz-banjo deities? Of those, there can be only one. [3 August 2006] The PretendersThe phrases 'punk' and 'oldies' mix about as well as chocolate cake and mayonnaise. Maybe that's why Chrissie Hynde won't stand still. [26 July 2006] 
Cheap Trick: RockfordCheap Trick had their best moments early in their 30-year history...until now. Rockford takes us back to a time when the entire album was worth the listen. [21 July 2006] 
Ministry: Rio Grande BloodLike cheap rot-gut, Al Jourgensen gets nastier with age. This is a no-holds-barred rant, both lyrically and musically, targeting the man they call Dubya. [7 June 2006] The Carl Palmer BandBands like Tool and the Flaming Lips are reviving elements of prog -- not to mention the (ugly) platform shoes -- so why not bring back the big boys? [1 June 2006] 
Dr. John: Right Place, Right Time: Live at Tipitinas Mardi Gras 89It seemed like only yesterday, New Orleans was loaded with music and vitality. Dr. John was a very large piece of the puzzle, and this musical snapshot easily explains why. [12 May 2006] Billy Joel's name hangs from the rafters of the world's most famous arena, not the man himself. Love him or hate him, the Piano Man ain't going anywhere. [5 May 2006] 
Joe Satriani: Super ColossalThere is a very good reason why Joe Satriani has a reputation for being one of the best guitarists alive: because it's true. [4 May 2006] 
The Black Keys: ChulahomaOne of the best blues musicians ever, covered by one of the only bands to do him justice. [2 May 2006] 
Saffire—the Uppity Blues Women: Deluxe EditionSassy, brassy, ballsy (wrong gender, I know), funny -- the apt description to encapsulate Saffire -- the Uppity Blues Women. This compilation keeps it real... humorous. [17 April 2006] Rob ZombieSixty-two minutes for $35? What a bargain... err, not. [3 April 2006] 
Los Lobos: Wolf Tracks: The Best of Los LobosNothing fancy or sugar-coated here: Simply put, Los Lobos is one of the best bands to ever grace the music world -- period. (And don't argue). [28 March 2006] 
(Long) John Baldry: Boogie Woogie: The Warner Bros. RecordingsLost in the heyday of Rod Stewart and Elton John was Long John Baldry, the eclectic talent who inspired the twosome to new heights. His two Warner Bros. albums, each half produced by Stewart and half by John, became signatures of all three gents. [23 March 2006] 
Béla Fleck: Crossing the TracksEven when Béla Fleck was a mere tyke in the music industry, he was already starting to take his banjo on journeys off the bluegrass trail. Here's where his story begins. [21 March 2006] 
Ozark Mountain Daredevils: Ozark Mountain DaredevilsThere's a reason the Ozark Mountain Daredevils splintered apart in 1979: they hit the end of their creative road. The 1980 version of the band simply proved that point. [8 March 2006] 
Ministry: RantologyA.J.'s still pissed off, and that's a very good thing for Ministry, who went from techno/dance to industrial in a... well, snap. [24 February 2006] 
Cream: Royal Albert Hall, London, May 2-3-5-6, 2005 [DVD]After a long absence, God... err, Eric Clapton has returned, and along with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, has resurrected the deity known as Cream. [22 February 2006] Aerosmith + Lenny KravitzDrumming up a concert mate for these old dogs is harder than you'd think. But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. [22 November 2005] CreamI've previously written that Brian Wilson's SMiLE stop was undoubtedly the BEST concert of 2005. Oops... [11 November 2005] 
The Campbell Brothers: Can You Feel It?I dare you to listen to Can You Feel It? without moving your body. If you do so, you're either deaf or dead. [9 November 2005] 
Mark Lemhouse: The Great American Yard SaleMark Lemhouse pulls a gutsy move by moving away from the Memphis/Mississippi stylings of his debut album -- with a surprisingly awesome effect. [4 November 2005] 
Aerosmith: Rockin’ the JointSuspicion abounds as to why Aerosmith would release a live album off a tour from three years ago. Yeah, I'm stumped too. [2 November 2005] 
Blind Arvella Gray: The Singing DrifterChicago-style blues was all about Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, etc. But this little known gent made his mark with one fine, fine album. [20 October 2005] The White Stripes + The Shins + Brendan Benson: 24 September 2005 - Brooklyn, NYAgainst the backdrop of Coney Island, the Earth shook. And no, it wasn't from the Cyclone... [19 October 2005] 
Glenn Miller: The Essential Glenn MillerThis compilation will bring back fond memories for the oldsters, and may provide some entertainment for younger listeners for whom Glenn Miller's name means nothing. [26 September 2005] System of a Down + The Mars VoltaOne band pleased the crowd; the other pleased themselves - guess which one got booed? [16 September 2005] Brian WilsonIf there was poetic justice, this show would have been filled. Hell, this is THE BEACH, yet the amphitheatre was only 1/3 full. It's a blasted shame... [29 August 2005] 
J.W. Warren: Life Ain’t Worth Livin’Yet another great slice of the blues from the George Mitchell collection. [18 August 2005] 
Johnny Cash: The LegendJohnny Cash was a punk, but the best kind of punk. The Legend proves that Cash can show both love and hate, and fear God with equal passion, and do so with honesty, intelligence, integrity, and class. [29 July 2005] Modest Mouse + Camper Van BeethovenIsaac Brock's face was a scowl. Anytime you can see him restricted in some form or fashion you know he's bound to he unleash it... [15 July 2005] 
Little Freddie King: You Don’t Know What I KnowEvery time you think Fat Possum has reached the end of its rope, they pull another... well, possum out of their butts. This time, it's the upbeat, lowdown groove of Little Freddie King. [5 July 2005] 
Eddie Turner: RiseYou know how in the National Football League, some guys are better suited to being assistant coaches after bombing as head coaches? That's Eddie Turner in music parlance: great guitarist in a band setting, but he doesn't have leadership material. [16 June 2005] 
Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation: Mighty RearrangerSteven Tyler, Mick Jagger, and the like aside, Robert Plant still holds the title of cock-rock superstar. Mighty Rearranger is his best solo effort yet, and can put some of Led Zep's efforts to shame. [15 June 2005] 
The Blind Boys of Alabama: Atom BombThe oldest active band learns some new tricks to spread the message of the Lord. They still know how to deliver. [15 April 2005] 
Various Artists: Close Harmony: a History of Southern Gospel Music (Volume 1: 1920-1955)Southern Gospel was always about finding religion in four-part harmony. It was also, back then, one of the only ways that segregation could be somewhat obliterated. [16 March 2005] Mötley CrüeI still haven't figured it out... [15 March 2005] 
Precious Bryant: The TruthIf Fat Possum Records had a female star, akin to Robert Belfour or an acoustic R.L. Burnside, it would be Precious Bryant. And at 63, she's just getting started -- and getting better. 
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue (DualDisc)What, you thought this album was going to suck after 46 years? And with the bonuses on the DVD, it's even better. [10 March 2005] 
Heartless Bastards: Stairs and ElevatorsThe newest car to emerge from the garage rock has a female behind the wheel. It's a better model than what has been driven out lately, but there's still some fine tuning needed. [9 March 2005] 
Ozark Mountain Daredevils: It’s AliveIf the old TV variety show Hee-Haw had a versatile house band, these guys would qualify. [22 February 2005] 
Hubert Sumlin: About Them ShoesHe was the secret weapon behind the success of Howlin' Wolf. The secret is out, and he still makes other musicians sound better than they have any right to. [14 February 2005] 
NRBQ: DummyThese four guys aren't dummies, despite rumors to the contrary. In fact, this is one of their most enjoyable albums since the early days. [10 February 2005] The SmithereensIf they were good enough for Kurt, they're good enough for you. [8 February 2005] 
Various Artists: Sunday Nights: The Songs of Junior KimbroughGiving Junior Kimbrough props is noble, but don't expect much of this tribute to sound quite like the unheralded blues master. This is a show of respect, not an album of mimicry. [20 January 2005] Drive-By TruckersA warning for the By-curious. No smoke machines or fancy lights here, just two hours of solid, ass-kicking music. Sorry. [19 January 2005] 
Nathaniel Mayer: I Just Want to be HeldThere is life in Detroit soul after Motown, and even if it has to take a detour through Oxford, Mississippi to get noticed, it's well worth the trek. 
Dan Treanor and Frankie Lane: African WindTreanor straddles the fine line between old and modern blues; he walks it, talks it, and plays it with ease. African Wind is a trip in a time machine to the origins of the blues, with a fast forward to today. A thrilling and entertaining ride. [9 December 2004] BlogsConsuming Consumables: LISTEN - Johnny Cash: At San Quentin (Legacy Edition) [29 November 2006] |
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