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.
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.
Tommy Talton’s Posthumous Southern Tales
These are the last songs of a dying man, Tommy Talton, joined by his peers. He’s just doing what he loves one more time with his friends.
Terry Klein Melds Texas Hill Country Music and Folk
Is this folk or is this country music? Terry Klein doesn’t choose as much as he shows the connections between the two. Suffice it to say, this is Texas music.
Woody Guthrie Sings at Home to a Tape Recorder
Woody Guthrie didn’t care about sounding pretty; he knew he had a voice, and he would use it to make the world a better place for everyone.
Johnnie Johnson Was an Important Artist in Rock’s Early Years
It has been decades since these Johnnie Johnson’s recordings were made, but the music has a timeless quality. Sometimes we just need to smile and chill.
Grey DeLisle & Friends Honor Songwriter Cindy Walker
With her own deep roots in music, Grey DeLisle recognizes the significance of Cindy Walker’s legacy as a pioneering country music auteur.
Arkansas Traveler Dylan Earl Takes Us for a Ride
Dylan Earl needs a friend or more friends or even a lover, but he seems like the character one’s parents warned about. He may waste your time, but he would be a good pal.
Tune-Yards Help Us Get Through the Dark Days
Tune-Yards’ lyrics range from wanting us to dream better dreams to sucker punching authority. Better Dreaming’s songs are dream-like more than propagandistic.
Buck Owens and His Buckaroos Are Gonna Live Here Again
While Buck Owens’ studio LPs may provide more polished versions of the songs included here, the musicians show how important they were as a live act.
That’s Right, West Texas Exiles Are From the Lone Star State
One doesn’t need to recognize the roots to enjoy the music. Like the bluebonnet, the West Texas Exiles provide a new flowering on the already fertile soil.
Margo Price’s Latest LP Is Simply Outstanding
The dozen songs on Margo Price’s latest album provide solid evidence of her claim of hardheadedness. As listeners, we benefit from her strong sense of autonomy.
Rodney Crowell Is Inspired on ‘Airline Highway’
Airline Highway provides evidence of Rodney Crowell’s literate craftsmanship as a songwriter. The songs are his master and mistress here.