Whitehorse Rediscover Their Folk Rock Roots
Whitehorse’s new album turns the eccentric and unconventional into a new normal. Musically, what starts as pop can twist into noir.
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.
Guy Clark’s ‘Old No. 1’ Revisited By Americana’s Best
This tribute to Old No. 1 shows what made Guy Clark so special. The Texan wrote plaintive songs that used quotidian details to express elegiac emotions.
Ghost Hounds Party Like Its 1969 with “Gimme Shelter”
Ghost Hounds’ cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” evokes the feeling that we’re on the edge of something dangerous.
Sarah Blasko’s Latest Songs Are Too Good to Be ‘Forgotten’
The beauty of this EP lies in Sarah Blasko’s creative use of her personal demons to share deep feelings without being overwhelmed by them.
Dale Watson Is Still Fiercely Independent on ‘Unwanted’
Dale Watson sings and writes about love, life, and liquor with equal fervour. He’s a passionate man, whether he’s crooning about yellow mustard or his own death.
A Banshee Tree with ‘Bad Luck’ Grows in Colorado
Banshee Tree’s music is inclusive with an assortment of styles. From acoustic folk to psychedelic funk and jazz, their music is always moving.
Drivin N Cryin Keep the Spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll Alive
The sound of Drivin N Cryin’s dirty electric guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines, pounding drums and lyrics is sorely needed as a refresher course in rock magic.
Aubory Bugg Sensitively Recalls Who She Once Was
Aubory Bugg beautifully captures that period when we are free to imagine what our lives are and will be.
Ashley Monroe Pens a Love/Hate Letter to Music City
Ashley Monroe is not happy with the way she’s been treated by Music City. Dear Nashville is a concept record about her professional experiences.
Leah Blevins Is an Authentic Voice in Country Music
Like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton, one can easily recognize Leah Blevins’ articulations. Her country music voice is idiosyncratic in a completely positive way.
José González Gently Rages ‘Against the Dying of the Light’
José González preaches to his audience like a folksinger, but his music shares more in common with chamber pop than with other Dylans due to his polished stylings.
SXSW at 40: The Music’s Still Worth the Trip
SXSW has changed, but it still provides plenty of good music. The internet is full of old-timers who complain that the fest is not what it used to be.