Jesper Lindell Goes for a Big Adventure on ‘Jackson Highway’
Jesper Lindell and company are faithful to the spirit of the original versions of these songs, but they bring their own energy as well.
Rich Wilhelm
Rich Wilhelm is a writer and editor who lives in Royersford, Pennsylvania. In addition to his high school and college newspapers, Rich's writing has appeared in Cool and Strange Music Magazine, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Arizona Republic. In addition to music writing, Rich is a certified volunteer tour guide at Philadelphia's historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. Rich can be found on Bluesky @rfwilhelm@bksy.social, on Instagram @valentine_headphone_kid, and at his online journal, The Dichotomy of the Dog.
All Hail Clifton Chenier the King of Zydeco
Everybody ought to dive into the wild, eclectic, joyful zydeco of Clifton Chenier. Even the accordion averse might decide they love it.
Mavis Staples Comforts and Galvanizes in Pennsylvania
Legendary soul singer Mavis Staples draws on classics, old and new, to deliver her own State of the Union address. Her message is more relevant and urgent than ever.
Furry Lewis Sang the Blues at Sun Records in 1961
The reissue of Furry Lewis’ Back on My Feet Again captures a daylong recording session at Sun Records from 1961.
Sammy Brue Finds Inspiration in Earle’s Journals
The Journals is a testament to the lovely friendship of Justin Townes Earle and Sammy Brue, initiated and fostered by the music they both loved.
Elton John’s Best Album ‘Captain Fantastic’ Is 50
A well-curated reissue celebrates Elton John’s best album, Captain Fantastic, a half-century after its release.
Blondie Went Genre Crazy on Their Comeback ‘No Exit’
Fueled by the international hit “Maria”, 1999’s No Exit brought Blondie back to life. The record has an admirable sense of adventure.
Blues Pianist Memphis Slim Had One Hell of a Debut
Gate of Horn highlights a set of new recordings of Memphis Slim’s best tunes, mostly credited to LC. Frazier, one of Slim’s several pseudonyms.
Golden Apples Deliver a Bushel of New Tunes
While 1990s college rock clearly informs much of Golden Apples’ Shooting Star, you might hear echoes of the Feelies and even the Velvet Underground.
Circa Waves Have Made One of 2025’s Best Pop Albums
Circa Waves’ Death & Love Pt. 1 has doubled the size of their January album, and it’s still one of the best pop records you’ll likely hear this year.
Robert Plant Is Still Enthusiastic About His Discoveries
If you were to stumble into a pub somewhere in Wales late on a rainy evening, Robert Plant’s Saving Grace is precisely what you’d want to hear.
The Ruen Brothers Keep It Dark on ‘Awooo’
While nothing on the Ruen Brothers’ Awooo sounds explicitly like bluegrass, it’s infused with a dark mood that could clearly have been influenced by Appalachia.