Linda May Han Oh Leads Her Trio to ‘Strange Heavens’
Linda May Han Oh’s latest album builds its central premise around the concept that humans will typically choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven.
Justin Cober-Lake
Justin Cober-Lake lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife, kids, and dog. After getting his BA in English from Gettysburg College in 1999, he began writing steadily, except for a brief interlude to pick up a Master's in English with a concentration in American Studies from the University of Virginia. Besides his pieces at PopMatters, Justin publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and lyrics in a variety of places, including Dusted, Spectrum Culture, The Daily Progress, and The Englewood Review of Books.
Bob Dylan Scholarship Comes in ‘Through the Open Window’
Through the Open Window does something ambitious in exploring Bob Dylan’s early development and capturing the essence of a scene.
Brandi Carlile Reaches Out in ‘Returning to Myself’
Brandi Carlile has returned to herself, but it doesn’t mean isolation; she is her own awareness, embracing community, knowing what to treasure, and making sure to speak it.
William Prince Moves ‘Further From the Country’
William Prince’s mix of character studies and thoughtful meditations combines for an album with staying power. Further From the Country looks at change and distance.
Rhett Miller Reflects on ‘A Lifetime of Riding By Night’
Rhett Miller’s A Lifetime of Riding by Night isn’t an instant attention-grabber; it likely suits its titular setting. It is a deep and rewarding meditation.
Kathleen Edwards Explores True Wealth on ‘Billionaire’
Kathleen Edwards sounds as confident as ever, with a clear vision of what matters. This latest record is marked by wisdom, heart, and varied Americana.
Patty Griffin Shares a Secret With ‘Crown Of Roses’
Patty Griffin’s Crown of Roses peers in deep, influenced by her evolving relationship with her mother, but also expands enough to engage any openhearted listener.
Thalia Zedek Band Fight the Waves on New Album
Thalia Zedek stays on the tipping point throughout this album, never resolving the tension, but constantly plunging into the heart of it with fearless verve.
Eli Winter Shows His Creative Dexterity on New LP
Eli Winter might not be pulling back the curtain on everything with his new LP, but he presents a more complete picture of his art’s diversity.
Marty Stuart Goes West (and Beyond) with ‘Space Junk’
Space Junk carries a very particular, yet effective vibe, and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives tweak it just enough to keep it captivating.
Jeffrey Lewis Bares All and Is a Bona Fide Freewheeler
Jeffrey Lewis has plenty to say, and his distinctive outlook remains intriguing and often provocative. He goes to dark places, but finds gratitude in a hundred ways.
My Morning Jacket Carefully Capture Immediacy With ‘Is’
This experience is best brought about through careful craft, which My Morning Jacket utilize throughout Is without any sacrifice of their long-running success.