Thursday, March 3 2011
Bob Brozman, John McSherry and Donal O’Connor: Six Days in Down
Pipes + fiddles + slide guitar = a good time for all.
Wednesday, March 2 2011
Middle Brother: Middle Brother
The rollicking album born of this boozy alliance is far more satisfying than it has the right to be.
Shugo Tokumaru: Port Entropy
On his fourth LP, Shugo Tokumaru's jubilant bedroom pop proves to be a bit too much of a good thing.
Ensemble: Excerpts
Apart from a few tiny surprises, the Ensemble collective has made a neither-fish-nor-fowl kind of album.
Bobby Long: A Winter Tale
If this man-as-musician is not careful, he may find himself desperately digging out of the hole that is caused by rugged glamour – trying to prove that his talent outweighs his presence.
Jay-Z: The Hits Collection Volume One
Artistically, Jay-Z's Hits Collection could be tons stronger, and anyone curious about the rapper who buys this without skimming his non-radio friendly cuts will be missing out on his best work.
Tuesday, March 1 2011
Lykke Li: Wounded Rhymes
If there was any justice in the world, Lykke Li would be our most valued Swedish import, not Steig Larsson. If her stunning second album is any indication, justice may soon be served.
The Rural Alberta Advantage: Departing
When all is said and done, if Departing doesn’t make the Polaris Music Prize shortlist this year, I will quite handily eat my toque and take a New Year's Polar Bear plunge into the sub-zero temperature of the nearest river.
Bullet: Highway Pirates
The Swedish band's third album swipes early '80s hard rock/metal clichés and runs absolutely wild with them.
The Insane Warrior: We Are the Doorways
We Are the Doorways offers a little swagger when you're walking from the kitchen to the living room, or an extra sense of dread when you're doing your taxes.
J. Cole: Friday Night Lights
J. Cole reluctantly returns to the mixtape scene to prep listeners for his ROC Nation debut, once again proving to be a master of his craft, even as he intentionally saves his best for the real thing.
Monday, February 28 2011
Lucinda Williams: Blessed
Blessed, like all of Williams’ best efforts, finds the blessings within the blues.
Acrylics: Lives and Treasure
A compelling debut of cleanly produced, neatly arranged pop songs that might just be a little too perfect.
Abigail Washburn: City of Refuge
Abigail Washburn is a bluegrass artist with a global focus, and on City of Refuge, she collaborates with indie rock artists, including the Decemberists' producer Tucker Martine and guitarist Chris Funk.
Audio Bullys: Higher Than the Eiffel
Higher Than the Eiffel's bone-headedness is probably a benefit, recklessly cajoling us into enjoying ourselves.
Doug Paisley: Constant Companion
Doug Paisley returns for a second LP, bringing his quiet, confident voice to tracks that unfold with a grace and patient beauty.
Friday, February 25 2011
Danielson: Best of Gloucester County
Experiences of the past five years, a new lineup, and stronger-than-ever inspiration have catapulted Smith and his players to a new height.
