The Olympians Instrumentally Search for a Revival
The Olympians’ In Search of a Revival may be an odd album, but it’s not an unfriendly one. The dozen instrumental tracks offer friendly vibes.
Steve Horowitz
Steven Horowitz has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa, where he continues to teach a three-credit online course on "Rock and Roll in America". He has written for many different popular and academic publications including American Music, Paste and the Icon. Horowitz is a firm believer in Paul Goodman's neofunctional perspective on culture and that Sam Cooke was right, a change is gonna come.
Lucinda Williams Tries to Right What’s Wrong with the World
The ten tracks on Lucinda Williams’ World Gone Wrong are heavy. This ain’t no party record. There’s too much pain going around in the world.
Folk Alliance International Offered Comfort in Troubled Times
January’s Folk Alliance International festival served as a place to restore and recharge for folk music lovers, offering solace and inspiration.
Mike Mattison Turns the Corner at the Midnight Blues
Mike Mattison’s third release as a band leader is a concept album based upon a novella he wrote about a fictional 1930s country blues act, Ted ‘n’ Turk.
James Hunter Six Get ‘Off the Fence’ and Land on a New Label
These 12 new self-penned tracks demonstrate that the James Hunter Six have found their niche and discovered how to exploit the groove.
Aubrie Sellers Goes “Subatomic” on New Concept Album (premiere)
Country artist Aubrie Sellers shares the first single and video from her forthcoming concept album, Attachment Theory.
Amy Speace Offers Stripped-Down Acoustic Intimacy
Amy Speace keeps folk traditions alive. With just her guitar and her voice, she inspires, entertains, and reminds us why heartfelt storytelling never goes out of style.
Rahsaan Roland Kirk Thrills on a NYC Night in 1963
Rahsaan Roland Kirk had an idiosyncratic style that fused hard bop with more melodic elements from gospel, blues, and pop. He had a theatrical stage presence.
Rhett Miller Goes It Alone for the Tenth Time
How responsible we are for our own happiness depends on our individual circumstances. In the final reckoning, Rhett Miller vacillates.
keiyaA Finds Strength in Stretching Out on ‘hooke’s law’
Much of hooke’s law is a cry for help from the voice within. keiyaA says she would do anything to see god or find a purpose. Like a spring, she is resilient.
Boy Golden Finds Love in His “Cowboy Dreams”
Alt-country’s Boy Golden duets with newcomer Cat Clyde in the search for the meaning of love.
Mavis Staples Finds the Beauty and Sadness in Life
Mavis Staples wraps her vast musical experience in honeyed tones. A sweetness comes across even as she sings about war and injustice, as well as joy and happiness.