Okkervil River’s ‘Black Sheep Boy’ Is Still Brilliant at 20
Okkervil River’s complicated and flawed masterpiece, Black Sheep Boy, found inspiration in an unexpected place, ultimately becoming career-affirming.
Music
Features, reviews, interviews, and lists about music, covering the latest as well historical topics.
Alison Krauss’ ‘Arcadia’ Is Dazzling and Worth the Long Wait
Alison Krauss and Union Station show a meeting of minds, wildly creative professionals reunited to log yet another sterling work in their estimable discography.
Hüma Utku Embraces Shadows on Experimental ‘Dracones’
Hüma Utku has created something remarkable in Dracones. It’s innovative due to the unpredictability of its sounds and the honesty of a deeply felt period.
Dustin Wong Unpacks Family History with Grand Sonic Gestures
Acclaimed guitarist Dustin Wong uses loops, samples, and guitar improvisation in a mesmerizing tribute to his recently deceased grandmother.
Mississippi John Hurt Reissue Brings Us Closer to The Legendary Bluesman
Bluesman Mississippi John Hurt’s innovative guitar playing and down-to-earth vocal delivery are elevated in these updated recordings.
Mick Jagger and James Fox’s Disorienting Fever Dream
Performance, starring Mick Jagger and James Fox, thrives on disorientations, making this time-capsule movie a timeless puzzle that resonates.
Kanye West’s Fandom Navigates the Crisis
Fans are struggling with how to separate Kanye West’s groundbreaking artistry from his troubling descent into white nationalism and hate speech.
The Pogues’ New Collection Highlights Their Important Legacy
The Pogues always painted portraits of shaggy underdogs who were broke but not broken, embattled but still very much in the battle to survive, sympathetic if surly.
Tate McRae Is ‘So Close’ to a Being Bona Fide Superstar
Tate McRae’s well-crafted third album, So Close to What, cements her as a pop mainstay, but leaves the future unclear.
The Darkness Re-Emerge With a Solid But Predictable Album
What surprises are heard on the Darkness’ new record are few and far between, but hardcore fans will enjoy the grandeur and sense of ceremony that cements it.
Kraftwerk’s Wolfgang Flür Celebrates 1980s ‘Times’
Wolfgang Flür is at least trying to move the Kraftwerk ethos forward. That fact alone gives an album like Times some artistic value.
Deafheaven Are Loudly Beautiful on ‘Lonely People With Power’
Deafheaven are going to make Lonely People With Power. They’re going to melt your face off. However, you have to wait for it. It’s magic.