Elvis Costello Gets Dark and Brooding on ‘Hey Clockface’
Elvis Costello is a complex man of dark humor and flashes of anger as he keeps fighting the good fight armed with a razor wit.
Marty Lipp
Marty Lipp has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsday, Details and The Star-Ledger. He focuses mostly on soulful world and regional music, both traditional and contemporary.
Pink Martini’s China Forbes Discusses New Songs Created in the Pandemic
Despite a global pandemic and a year of difficult unrest, Pink Martini's China Forbes soldiers on with her band's sharp eye for optimism and a newfound life mission.
The Pogues’ ‘The BBC Sessions 1984-1986’ Honors Working-Class Heroes
The Pogues' BBC Sessions 1984-1986 is a welcome chapter in the musical story of these working-class heroes, who reminded listeners of the beauty and dignity of the strong, sooty backs upon which our industrialized world was built.
Colombia’s Simón Mejía Plugs Into the Natural World on ‘Mirla’
Bomba Estéreo founder Simón Mejía electrifies nature for a different kind of jungle music on his debut solo album, Mirla.
Raul Malo and the Mavericks Go ‘En Español’ on Their New Genre-Bending LP
Alt-country veterans the Mavericks mix their Latin heritage with their rock and country roots on En Español.
From Punk Fury to Mariachi Cries, the Bronx Make Mexican Style Their Own
Los Angeles punk rockers the Bronx morph into Mariachi El Bronx for Musica Muerta, which is a whole world of fun and well made too.
Natalia Lafourcade Stages a Stirring Benefit to Rescue Mexico’s Musical Heritage
Un Canto Por Mexico is a true labor of love. Natalia Lafourcade led with her heart and was elegantly guided by her refined musical intelligence.
Revisiting Buena Vista’s Ibrahim Ferrer
Ibrahim Ferrer's Buenos Hermanos is a thoroughly enjoyable, perfectly realized example of Afro-Cuban music's appeal.
Solas’ Seamus Egan Goes Solo For First Time on 23 Years
Seamus Egan, founder of traditional Irish folk band Solas, goes solo with Early Bright. The masterclass here is one not necessarily to impress the intellect as much to leave an impression on the heart and soul.
Pink Martini Expand Their Sound Again on New EPs
On two new EPs, the ever versatile Pink Martini continue their mission of entertaining audiences as they explore the world's variety of musical styles.
The B-52s 30-year Anniversary Re-Issue of ‘Cosmic Thing’ Keeps the Party Going
With Cosmic Thing, the B-52s launched into the big time, shooting up the national album and singles charts with "Channel Z", followed by "Love Shack" and "Roam".
Lila Downs Goes for Party Music Not Partisan Songs
With the hot Al Chile, Mexican-American singer Lila Downs channels the sonidero movement.