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David MarcheseFeatures
Riffing on ElvisEverywhere you look these days, you're seeing traces of Elvis. Whether you know it or not. [16 August 2006] Hunchin’ in HeavenBackwoods rockabilly one-man-band Hasil Adkins earned the name 'the Wild man' for his raw, impulsive performances. Many called him a lunatic, but it's more accurate to simply call him American. [31 May 2005] Why Is This Man Not a Household Name?: Roger Federer Soars Under the RadarRoger Federer is an athlete of an order American sports fans have never been able to fully embrace. He's humble to a fault, wary of drawing attention to himself, and a Swiss polyglot. [31 March 2005] Steve Jones on Swindle and SwindlingThe former Sex Pistol still shoots from lip, even if he likes Journey now. [1 January 1995] A Colossus Nears the End of the Road: Sonny Rollins at 75It's not often you get a chance to speak with a legend. Forgive the upcoming hyperbole; Sonny Rollins deserves it. Getting “Between Mr. Sincere and Something Bearable for Existence”Stephen Malkmus has little too say, but we interviewed him anyway. Cursed with a Tinge of HonestyIan Hunter touches the early Hoople days through the current days of string. Lapsed Catholics and Lost HoodratsCraig Finn and the Hold Steady confirm the power of classic rock as they celebrate teens, guitar solos, and Christ. A Nerdy Rash: An Interview with the HivesPelle Almqvist of the Hives pretends to be calm for a few minutes. It’s Just Honest MusicThe Black Sabbath bassist and GZR frontman goes from politicians to skulls in just two degrees. ReviewsVarious Artists: Run the Road Volume 2It works as a fun soundtrack to a dimly-lit, vodka and Red Bull drenched basement party. But if you really want to kick the party into gear, the album’s older brother is still the one to podcast. [9 February 2006] 
The Darkness: One Way Ticket to Hell… and BackSimply put, rock and roll don't get no realer as we hit the home stretch of the new millennium's first decade. [14 December 2005] 
Robert Wyatt & Friends: Theatre Royal Drury Lane 8th September 1974A rare breed of musician who is forever alive to the possibility of new opportunities and forever blind to the existence of obstacles. [9 December 2005] 
Cat Stevens: GoldStevens was once of the biggest, most beloved musical stars in the world. Gold, a new two-disc compilation of his work is a useful reminder of why that was. [30 November 2005] 
John Coltrane: The Bethlehem YearsHis work in Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk's bands from the same era feature much more exploratory, innovative, and passionate playing. [7 November 2005] Dirty Threeare a working band and can't survive by just playing for an audience of one. [3 November 2005] Jimmy Scott + Savion GloverIt's difficult to connect something as terrestrially mundane as aging to this strange little man and his sad, enchanting voice... [7 October 2005] 
The Velvet Underground: GoldEvery track is going to absolutely slay you, but there's so much more to be had. You can buy this album if you want, but you have to promise me you'll buy their other ones too. [4 October 2005] 
Various Artists: The Rough Guide to the Music of SudanWhile Sudanese music may not yet have the cultural cache of some of its geographic neighbors, don't wait for the cultural cognoscenti to check your passport. The border's open. [8 September 2005] 
Frontier Index: Frontier IndexBy demonstrating their willingness to expand upon as well as respect the boundaries of country music, Frontier Index have positioned themselves as musicians intent on scrubbing off the stink of formaldehyde that pervades so much alt-country. [7 September 2005] 
Various Artists: Putumayo Presents MaliAlmost every track feels like a signpost pointing me in a direction I'd like to travel, but then the song ends and I must keep moving. It is a bewildering experience. [26 August 2005] 
Babatunde Olatunji: Circle of DrumsIf you're not already a fan of relatively unadorned tribal drumming, large sections of the album may sound repetitive and boring, but ultimately there is nothing on this disc that shames the memory of the great Babatunde Olatunji. [28 July 2005] 
Richard Thompson: Live From Austin, TXWhile 'Live' is not the jaw-dropping Richard Thompson live album that must exist somewhere on tape, it has plenty to remind people why Thompson remains one of music's most talented -- and criminally underappreciated -- artists. [26 July 2005] 
James Blood Ulmer: BirthrightTo hear Ulmer sing so nakedly about sex, race, and religion while playing such dusty music makes for a striking juxtaposition -- and is a strong case for the continued relevance of blues music. [15 July 2005] 
Dr. John: The Best of the Parlophone YearsIf this was the best the good Doctor could muster he'd be far less important than he is. Fortunately there's considerably more best in the rest of his catalogue to choose from. [1 July 2005] 
The Dave Brubeck Quartet: London Flat, London SharpAs technically proficient as ever, Brubeck's latest is too cool and too clean to be anything more than pleasant. [20 June 2005] 
Solomon Burke: Live at the House of the Blues / Soul of the BluesThere are moments on these albums befitting a man with the title 'the King of Rock 'N' Soul', but there are plenty more that would be better suited to a Blues Brother. [10 June 2005] 
Sloan: A Sides Win - Singles 1992-2005The band's greatest albums may not even match the best of The New Pornographers or Teenage Fanclub, but narrow the competition down to singles and they've got at least a puncher's chance. [7 June 2005] 
Roky Erickson: I Have Always Been Here Before: The Roky Erickson AnthologyErickson's status as a cult legend is based in large part on his sci-fi rockers, but to dismiss this portion of his music as lunatic kitsch would be a grave error. [10 May 2005] Dead Meadowmakes its home. [19 April 2005] Ike Turneris a musical treasure. [15 April 2005] 
Al Green: Everything’s OKWhile the world is fortunate for having a delightful new Al Green album, and we're all glad his life is in order, Everything's OK lacks the conflicted passion that was the hallmark of his greatest music. [30 March 2005] High on FireAh, Windsor! Bordertown. Home of a casino and dense with strip clubs. Flooded every weekend by thousands of thirsty, horny Americans, spilling over the bridge and through the tunnel. My associates and I were playing a different game. We were going to Alvin's, in Detroit, to find our pleasure. [1 March 2005] High on FireAh, Windsor! Bordertown. Home of a casino and dense with strip clubs. Flooded every weekend by thousands of thirsty, horny Americans, spilling over the bridge and through the tunnel. My associates and I were playing a different game. We were going to Alvin's, in Detroit, to find our pleasure. The Secret MachinesThe band's album has had a lot of fashionable comparisons. Live, it's more hot dog than frankfurter. More machine than man. [15 February 2005] Death From Above 1979There's no way to leave not knowing they have balls. Whether or not they have brains is a tougher question. [21 December 2004] Trans-Siberian OrchestraNaughty or nice? Either way you're getting a leotard for Christmas. [14 December 2004] The Brian Jonestown MassacreWhere's the wreck? Newcomb and the Massacre stay strangely on track. [16 November 2004] |
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