Features
Friday, December 24 2010
The 70 Best Albums of 2010
PopMatters is on its annual publishing break until 3 January 2011, except for some film reviews and blogs. In the meantime, enjoy some of the year's best...
The year's best albums are highlighted by the emergence of a future superstar, two veteran and virtuoso rappers, and a Dream Team of indie bands releasing career peaks.
Thursday, December 13 2007
The Best R&B 2007
On this year's "Best R&B Albums" list, you will find albums that merit attention for the unique artistry each possesses, not because they sold half a million out of the gate.
Columns
Friday, March 7 2008
Retelling the History of Black Music: Adventures in Retro-ism
Rightly or wrongly, black audiences have always tended to chase musical innovation, not musical reverence.
Reviews
Tuesday, April 6 2010
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: I Learned the Hard Way
Those tough lessons have settled deep in Jones' voice; the hard rasp is sanded down some, the emotions subtler than on the previous record -- but perhaps more volatile in their restraint.
Monday, October 1 2007
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: 100 Days, 100 Nights
Jones' powerful voice and the Dap-Kings' soul expertise are a natural fit for each other.
Blogs
Thursday, April 29 2010
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - "Better Things" (Live on Fallon) (video)
And the Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings TV appearances continue to pile up with a Fallon spot closely following behind one on Colbert. Plus, I…
Wednesday, April 28 2010
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - "She Ain't a Child No More" (Live on Colbert) (video)
Yes, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings are ubiquitous on TV chat shows these days and in the concert halls of the US as well. It…
Monday, August 10 2009
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - "100 Days, 100 Nights" (Live on Craig Ferguson)
Neo-retro-soul diva Sharon Jones appeared with her Dap-Kings on Craig Ferguson's show last Friday night to play the title track from her 2007 album. As…
News
Wednesday, June 16 2010
Sharon Jones' guide to becoming America's best live act
Catching up with Jones by phone two weeks after the Apollo, she offered insight into the elements that have turned her and the Dap-Kings into the best American live band of the moment.
