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.
Reviews
Reviews of popular culture related areas, including music, film, TV, books, games, comics, and more.
ElectroMatters: The Best Electronic Music of February 2026
Whatever flavor of electro music you prefer, you’re likely to find something among the best electronic music of February 2026.
Cyril Neville and King Youngblood Serve Up Inspiring Gumbo
This is a big year for Cyril Neville and King Youngblood, a bonus for music fans who appreciate artists who use their talents to speak out and inspire social change.
Tōth Finds the Clarity of His ‘Voice’ Through Constraint
Tōth’s And the Voice Said refines his knack for balancing introspection, pop warmth, and unresolved inner tension.
William Clark Green Sings About Good Ol’ Texas
Watterson Hall offers a glimpse into the mythical Texas that many consider their rightful heritage. William Clark Green personifies a good ol’ boy without stereotypes.
Jackie West Expands the Strengths of Her Brilliant Debut
Jackie West grows from her immensely satisfying debut album into a follow-up that sees her taking chances while writing beautiful, emotionally striking music.
Britpop Pioneers Squeeze Bring Out the Fun on ‘Trixies’
Squeeze were always ambitious, although never at the expense of fun. Trixies is imaginative, impressive, and most importantly, fun.
Violinist Meg Okura Creates a Lush Span of Styles
Meg Okura creates a unique musical blend, and her new album with the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, Isaiah, is ambitious and lushly accessible.
Musik Music Musique 1979: The Roots of Synth Pop
Based on the best tracks on this new synth pop collection, 1979 was a time that drew equally from traditionalist pop songcraft and new musical technology.
Converge Retake Their Ground on New Record
If Love Is Not Enough announces anything, it’s a return to the stark architecture and the blunt-force grammar Converge helped codify.
Felsmann + Tiley Explore The Absurdity of Human Existence
Over crafted, textured synths, palpitating rhythms and intricate soundscapes, Felsmann + Tiley’s music sounds jaw-droppingly expansive.
The Setting Create a Unique Twist on the Jazz Trio
Jazz trio the Setting have brought to fruition Eivind Opsvik’s love of 1970s and 1980s synthesizer music, ECM solo guitar albums, and experimental art pop.