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Michael FrancoPopMatters Associate Music EditorAbout Michael FrancoMichael Franco is a Professor of English at Oklahoma City Community College, where he teaches composition and humanities. An alumnus of his workplace, he also attended the University of Central Oklahoma, earning both a B.A. and M.A. in English. Franco has been writing for PopMatters since 2004 and has also served as an Associate Editor since 2007. He considers himself lucky to be able to experience what he teaches, writing and the humanities, firsthand through his work at PopMatters, and his experiences as a writer help him teach his students to become better writers themselves. Features
Bulletproof Within the Music: An Interview with David GrayFor his first new album in four years, David Gray decided to go for broke, sacking his entire band, calling up friends like Annie Lennox and Jolie Holland, and -- for the first time in a long time -- no longer being self-conscious about what he's doing, describing himself as feeling "liberated" now ... [29 September 2009] Infectious Love: An Interview with David Johansen of the New York DollsThe iconic leader of the legendary band talks about their history and new album. And, in classic Dolls fashion, he doesn't seem overly concerned about any of it. [4 May 2009] The Music – That’s All It’s About: An Interview with Butch TrucksThe drummer of the Allman Brothers Band talks to PopMatters about the band's 40th anniversary, their legendary runs at the Beacon, and embarking on a brand new way to distribute music. [31 March 2009] “I Never Thought That I’d Miss You So Much”: An Interview with Gary Louris and Mark OlsonAfter more than a decade apart, the ex-Jayhawks are in harmony once again. Gary Louris, the alt-country icon who has forged a solo career after leading the legendary Jayhawks for roughly two decades, talks to PopMatters. [10 February 2009] “I See a Change in Me”: An Interview with Shannon McArdleIn this revealing and personal interview, McArdle discusses the events that lead her to write her confessional solo disc Summer of the Whore, and how this disc just may dictate the course of her life for years to come. [30 September 2008] I Felt Like Another Country Myself: An Interview with Tift MerrittPopMatters talks to Merritt in a revealing and engrossing discussion. She gives insight into her art, her career, and how the two are sometimes at odds with one another. [26 February 2008] Here’s the News, and All of It Is Good: An Interview with Mick JonesThe ex-Clash artist returns with a new outlook and a new means of spreading his music, but the rebelliousness remains. Jones talks to PopMatters about his new project Carbon/Silicon. [3 December 2007] Goodbye Guitar Town: An Interview with Steve EarleSteve Earle might be quieting down, but he still has plenty to say. PopMatters talks with Earle about his new album, New York and much more. [24 September 2007] Love and Frogs: Dating John WatersThe unique filmmaker talks about his sweet compilation, his extreme romantic tastes, and the definitive way to divorce. [14 February 2007] Magnificently Not Defeated: An Interview with Jay BennettAs a songwriter, musician, and producer, Jay Bennett has every right to be who we think he is. But he isn't. [27 November 2006] Finally Getting Somewhere: An Interview with Allison MoorerNobody's little darling, Moorer says what she needs to, whether she's talking politics or getting personal. [1 January 1995] That Jingle-Jangle Sound: An Interview with Roger McGuinnRoger McGuinn's spent the last ten years uncovering and distributing folk gems, but it's not as if he just started doing that. 'What makes the Byrds stand up all these years is the basis in folk music,' he says, while explaining what's really gone on. Reviews
The Flaming Lips: EmbryonicDitching the pop leanings of their last three albums, the Flaming Lips go full-on experimental. The Fearless Freaks are back. [12 October 2009] 
Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions: Through the Devil SoftlyHope Sandoval reemerges with a collection of nocturnal, bewitching tunes. [30 September 2009] 
Wilco: Wilco (The Album)While Wilco (The Album) has its strong moments, it does not have many innovative ones. For a band whose reputation was built on being sonic pioneers, this can only be perceived as something of a letdown. [26 June 2009] 
Wilco: Ashes of American Flags [DVD]Released in US indie record stores before today's wider release, Ashes of American Flags is further proof that Wilco may very well be the greatest American rock band right now. [28 April 2009] 
Bruce Springsteen: Working on a DreamWorking on a Dream is not only a worthy album, but also an enjoyable one. But when you’ve built a career on inspiring nothing less than transcendence, is enjoyable really a worthy goal? [26 January 2009] 
The Flaming Lips: Christmas on MarsChristmas on Mars isn’t a work of genius, but it definitely captures a genius at work. [19 December 2008] 
The Killers: Day & AgeWith the release of the Killers’ latest album, Day & Age, the obvious question is: will Flowers and company continue to chase the panoramic, mythic grandeur of Springsteen and U2, critics be damned? [2 December 2008] 
John Mellencamp: Life Death Love and FreedomMellencamp no doubt feels the menacing stare of death off in the distance, and it has caused him to reassess not only his life, but also his art. [16 July 2008] 
Old 97’s: Blame It on GravityFor the most part the quartet succeeds in doing what they do best -- blending American music genres with ease and enthusiasm. [12 May 2008] 
Tift Merritt: Another CountryAnother Country is nothing short of stunning in its candor, simplicity, and grace. [25 February 2008] 
Cowboy Junkies: Trinity RevisitedTrinity Revisited doesn't possess the rare magic of The Trinity Session, but it's a wonderful tribute to an album that continues to leave listeners in awe. 
U2: The Joshua TreeThe original album, no doubt, deserves a 10, but the same cannot be said for these reissues. [26 November 2007] 
Nick Drake: Fruit TreeIf he only knew how immense his impact would be, perhaps Drake would still be with us. Then again, it's not just the music, but also the tragedy, that makes Drake such an alluring, enduring figure. [19 November 2007] 
Neil Young: Chrome Dreams IIYoung has finally figured out that instead of making two or three lackluster albums followed by a solid one, he can apply the same technique to a single LP. If ever an album were custom made for iTunes, this is it. [22 October 2007] 
John Fogerty: RevivalFinally at peace with his past, Fogerty doesn't so much return to it as celebrate it. [11 October 2007] 
Bryan Ferry: Dylanesque Live [DVD]Illuminating the tradition that runs through rock n' roll, as well as its forebears, Dylanesque Live: The London Sessions is a more than worthy companion to the album. [7 August 2007] 
Jesse Harris: FeelFeel is impeccable is nearly every way – except in its ability to engage the listener. That's kinda big. [18 July 2007] 
The Traveling Wilburys: The Traveling Wilburys CollectionThe Traveling Wilburys were always the stuff of myth -- of unlikely beginnings and heroes and, yes, even transcending death through creation. Thankfully, with their work back on the shelves, they will do just that. [15 June 2007] 
Wheat: Everyday I Said a Prayer for Kathy and Made a One Inch SquareThe only thing more incomprehensible and meandering than this album's title is the album itself. [23 May 2007] 
Golden Smog: Blood on the SlacksSlight in new material, Blood on the Slacks is a compelling argument that Golden Smog's members should make the band their main priority. Give us some more, boys! [11 May 2007] 
The Sea and Cake: EverybodyEverybody is the most rock-based album the Sea and Cake have made, but it still sounds modern, sophisticated, and ultra-cool. [9 May 2007] 
The Killers: The KillersThis unauthorized documentary gives excellent context to the rise of the Killers, but without any of the band's music, it feels a little too far from its topic. [1 May 2007] 
Modest Mouse: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even SankHaving attained mainstream success -- and arguably the world's most coveted guitarist -- Modest Mouse are back. Surprisingly, they sound like neither event ever happened. [29 March 2007] 
John Mellencamp: Freedoms RoadAfter wasting a decade and a half trying to remain popular, John Mellencamp finally figures out he's much better remaining populist. [31 January 2007] 
The Autumn Defense: The Autumn DefenseJohn Stirratt and Pat Sansone are forever perfecting their blend of sunny AM rock, folk, and jazz. Here they both elaborate on that sound and prove the Autumn Defense is no mere side project. [30 January 2007] 
Ron Sexsmith: Time BeingRon Sexsmith is the songwriter everyone envies, but nobody wants to be. Time Being offers a perfect explanation. [5 January 2007] 
David Gray: Live in Slow Motion [DVD]Now released in the US and Canada, Live in Slow Motion is proof that David Gray is one immensely talented artist. [22 December 2006] 
Paul McCartney: Paul McCartney: The Space Within Us [DVD]Buried beneath the excessive adoration and dizzying camerawork is an amazing concert. [18 December 2006] 
Steve Earle: The Definitive Collection: 1983-1987Summarizing Steve Earle’s amazing career in one disc just isn't possible, but you can't go wrong with any compilation of the master. [15 December 2006] 
Black Crowes: Freak N Roll… Into the fogRecorded at San Francisco's famed Fillmore, Freak 'N' Roll is a reminder that the Black Crowes once possessed (and are still capable of possessing) magical powers. [19 November 2006] 
U2: U2: The Joshua TreeOriginally released in 2000, this film explores the making of U2's masterpiece that forever changed the landscape of rock. [12 November 2006] 
Radiohead: Classic Album Under Review [DVD]Ultimately, this documentary is mildly interesting simply because its topic is undeniably so. [5 October 2006] 
The Byrds: There Is a SeasonThe Byrds pioneered folk-rock, psychedelic-rock, country-rock, and planted the seeds for alt-country. Finally, a box set as encompassing and stunning as their career. [29 September 2006] 
Yo La Tengo: I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your AssReviewing this album is like trying to describe a cool and sunny Sunday afternoon -- no liberal expenditure of adjectives and verbs can recreate the experience of just sitting and taking it all in while relaxing. [12 September 2006] 
Bob Dylan: Modern TimesModern Times is being universally acclaimed as a work of genius, but trying to differentiate between a solid album from an undeniable master and an undeniable masterpiece is getting into Clintonian semantics. [5 September 2006] 
Roger McGuinn: The Folk Den Project: 1995-2005Four discs of folk songs recorded by Roger McGuinn. Nothing more need be said. [25 August 2006] 
Steve Earle: Live at Montreux 2005While a no-frills affair, this DVD shows Earle in peak form taking aim at those in power. [23 August 2006] 
Lola Ray: LiarsOn their sophomre outing, Lola Ray show an admirable amount of growth -- but they've still got a ways to go. [19 July 2006] 
Allison Moorer: Getting SomewhereThe Duel was a brave album, but Getting Somewhere is definitely more courageous. Here, Moorer dares to look inward and face growing up. Brave indeed. [13 June 2006] 
Tim Easton: AmmunitionAmmunition was recorded over two years while Easton was satiating his wanderlust, and it feels like life on the road: immediate, restless, and inspired. [16 May 2006] 
David Bowie: Serious Moonlight [DVD]Serious Moonlight captures Bowie at the point where he began to falter. Even worse, it's a testament to the glossy absurdity of the '80s. [10 April 2006] 
Paper Moon: Broken Hearts Break Faster Every DaySlow, dreamy, and reflective, Broken Hearts Break Faster Every Day is perfect Sunday morning listening. [7 April 2006] 
Cowboy Mouth: Voodoo ShoppeLike a big ol' bowl of jambalaya from Mothers restaurant, Voodoo Shoppe is tasty and fulfilling. Cowboy Mouth prove that life never left Nawlins. [6 April 2006] 
Autumn in Halifax: Kites with Broken StringsTransitory and haunting, Autumn in Halifax's songs sound like all those past moments that determine your present situation. [5 April 2006] 
The Eternals: High AnxietyThe Eternals are known for experimenting with diverse elements; here, that element is their previous music. Second helpings rarely taste this good. [30 March 2006] 
Hotel Lights: Hotel LightsWistful and understated, the debut album by former Ben Folds Five drummer Darren Jesse and his band is often subtly beautiful; sometimes it's nice to feel lonely. [22 March 2006] 
Oceansize: Everyone into PositionPrecise, powerful, and provoked, Oceansize are anything but twee British choir boys. Finally, the land of sensitive stadium rock offers something different. [2 March 2006] 
Robert Pollard: From a Compound EyePollard, the debauched saint of indie rock, releases his first solo album post-GBV. Yes, you still have a legitimate reason to sit at home and drink alone. Thank you, Uncle Bob. [19 January 2006] 
The Mendoza Line: Full of Light and Full of FireThe Mendoza Line have a knack for writing disturbing and lonely tales that also make a fine soundtrack to a night of carousing. With Full of Life and Full of Fire, they've created a modern American masterpiece. [23 November 2005] 
Glister: Be There SoonGlister call themselves the galaxy's 'most hypnotic rock band'. Maybe they should qualify that statement. [16 November 2005] 
The Dials: Flex TimeYou're supposed to like the Dials. They're girls doing punk. They're sassy. Some big-time critics have gotten behind their momentum. So, do they deserve the hype?" [9 November 2005] 
Showroom: The World Is Too Much With UsShowroom make catchy pop songs that are also insightful and charming. Finally, a frontman whose wit is as sharp as the crease in his trousers. [3 November 2005] 
The Lovemakers: Times of RomanceAh, the '80s... synthesizers, sex, skinny ties, and snorting. While many bands reference the '80s, the Lovemakers actually capture the neon-pink decadence of the Reagan era. [28 October 2005] 
Echo and the Bunnymen: SiberiaOn their last couple of albums, the Bunnymen sounded like men mired in self-doubt. On Siberia, they've ditched the doubt and rediscovered their strengths: melody, romance, and that glorious guitar of Will Sergeant. [26 September 2005] 
Billy Joe Shaver: The Real DealHaving survived unthinkable loss and near death, Billy Joe Shaver sounds wise, confident, and doggedly upbeat -- even when he's singing a heartbreaking tune. Who else could title his album The Real Deal?" [21 September 2005] 
Stereolab: Kybernetická Babicka EPStereolab add three new singles to their already mind-boggling discography. Obsessive-compulsive fans get ready -- they're on vinyl!" [16 September 2005] 
Embrace: Out of NothingOut of Nothing is the sound of music being super-sized and stuffed into a happy meal. All that's missing is a toy. Oh wait -- the album comes with a screensaver!" [29 August 2005] 
Tremolo: Love Is the Greatest RevengeTremolo want to change the world through music. In fact, they're willing to give half of their profits to achieve this aim. There's only one problem here... [17 August 2005] 
Allison Moorer: The Definitive CollectionThis compilation chronicles Moorer's career prior to the decidedly rebellious The Duel. As The Definitive Collection illustrates, she was always an outsider. [10 August 2005] 
The Saltshakers: A Beautiful MessThe Saltshakers try to tap into the long tradition of beautiful losers that hail from the Midwest. Ironically, they need a bit more polish to sound gloriously dilapidated. [4 August 2005] 
Lowlights: Dark End RoadLowlights doesn't so much make music as motion pictures in sound. Haunting and lonesome, this is true country -- alternative or whatever. [2 August 2005] 
Paul McCartney: Paul McCartney in Red Square [DVD]For decades, the Beatles' albums were banned from the Russian people, who risked imprisonment if caught owning them. Nearly four decades later, Paul McCartney played Red Square; as this film shows, the night was magical, joyous, and more than a little heartbreaking. [13 July 2005] 
The Doleful Lions: Shaded Lodge and MausoleumThe Doleful Lions are obsessed with Satan, warriors, knights, kings, and ghosts. And they make it all sound so innocent and dreamy... 
The Rumours: We Are HappyLike most young bands, the Rumours stand a bit too close to their influences. This, however, is easy to forgive when you consider the quality of their songs. [12 July 2005] 
Laura Cantrell: Humming by the Flowered VineCantrell is only three albums into her career, but she's fast becoming an underground country icon. This album shows why she's the rightful heiress to Lucinda Williams. [5 July 2005] 
Lovejoy: Everybody HatesEnglish act Lovejoy create soft, dreamy pop that evokes sunny spring days -- until you take a close listen to the lyrics. Leave it to the English to be both soft-spoken and sharp-tongued. [28 June 2005] 
Lucinda Williams: Live from Austin, TX [DVD]This 16-song set documents the period in Lucinda Williams' career when she was about to leave the mortal realm of underground hero and enter the pantheon of great American songwriters. [1 June 2005] 
The Wallflowers: Rebel, SweetheartJakob Dylan is no longer on your TV 24/7, and his band has all but fallen off the radio dial. What's a lead singer to do? In Dylan's case, shrugging his soldiers and writing damn good rock songs is the answer. [31 May 2005] 
Stereolab: Oscillons from the Anti-SunAny Stereolab fan knows that the band's sound has morphed a million times, each time bringing in and incorporating more styles. This box set not only shows the band's mastery of these various styles, but also the stylish aplomb they radiate while creating pop treats. [20 May 2005] 
Reverb: SwirlDepending on how you look at it, Reverb were either 10 years too late or 10 years too early. Swirl compiles the band's entire discography to give them a much deserved second look. [12 May 2005] 
The Perishers: SwayThe Perishers are just a rock band that plays rock music that doesn't try anything innovative or revolutionary. Sometimes, if you're skilled enough, that's all it takes. 
Ian Tyson: Songs from the Gravel RoadCanadian legend Tyson has mastered folk, country, and country-rock. Now, over 40 years after his career started, he throws jazz into the mix. The results are often stunning. [10 May 2005] 
Cloud Cult: Advice from the Happy HippopotamusEpic in both themes and sound, Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus, quite frankly, flirts with genius. Think 'Song of Myself' in sound. No, I am not kidding. [9 May 2005] 
Dirty Americans: Strange GenerationAnother hard rock band that's going to save rock from indie nerds and technophiles. Yeah, right... if only Yo La Tengo could kick these guys' asses. [28 April 2005] 
Stand: TransmissionsStand could be the next big thing: they know how to sing, play, and compose. The problem is, it all sounds just a little too redundant. [26 April 2005] 
Doris Henson: Give Me All Your MoneySinger books tour without band, then recruits band. Band members leave other bands, learn the songs, and then write a damn impressive debut. Introducing Doris Henson... [16 March 2005] 
Hope Alane: Pink Sky BlueHope Alane is part folk singer, part abstract expressionist. The songs on Pink Sky Blue are like collages of sound, but Alane often paints with too many colors. [10 March 2005] 
Le Chevre: self-titledLe Chevre likes the sounds of '80s videogames and the acoustic guitar. Put down your Trapper Keepers and rock!" [9 March 2005] 
Dasher: Panoramic BlastDasher rock like David Bowie. Like the New York Dolls. Like Royal Trux. Like you would rock if you actually did rock. [8 March 2005] 
Nanci Griffith: Hearts in MindNanci Griffith's latest album is yet another alt-country take on war. Rather than railing against politicians or ideologies, however, Griffith wanders through the confusion and emptiness experienced by those left behind. [7 February 2005] 
Grant Langston: Road Side ServiceAt his finer moments, Langston's lyrics are reminiscent of the adept wordplay of fellow country crooner Lyle Lovett. [27 January 2005] 
Sleepykid: Monday Morning SmileSleepykid's debut references and articulates the best elements of indie rock's last decade. This could be the beginning of something brilliant. [25 January 2005] 
Archer Prewitt: WildernessFourth release from Sea and Cake guitarist combines the folk song with chamber music, and the haunting vocal stylings of David Bowie with the melancholia of Nick Drake. And this, folks, is just his side project. [18 January 2005] 
The Devlins: WavesDubliners who create fine-tuned pop songs with echoing guitar notes, grand choruses, and more hooks than Velcro? Nope, this isn't U2 - just the Devlins, who prove that they can combine the catchy with the sublime. [11 January 2005] BlogsConsuming Consumables: The Traveling Wilburys - The Traveling Wilburys Collection [$44.98] [6 December 2007]Consuming Consumables: LISTEN - The Byrds: There is a Season [5 December 2006] |
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