blue-eyed soul

The Style Council’s Café Bleu and David Sylvian’s Brilliant Trees at 40

The Style Council’s Café Bleu and David Sylvian’s Brilliant Trees at 40

With Café Bleu and Brilliant Trees, Paul Weller and David Sylvian looked forward to jazz as a renewed source of inspiration; but was their pop music still pop?

50 Years On: Roxy Music and Robert Palmer Transcended Fashion

50 Years On: Roxy Music and Robert Palmer Transcended Fashion

In 1974, Roxy Music and Robert Palmer transcended changes in musical fashions not only in terms of their influence but without sacrificing their artistry.

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats’ ‘What If I’ Is a Mixed Bag

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats’ ‘What If I’ Is a Mixed Bag

Two years after The Future, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats offer up an EP of leftovers that leave listeners wanting more.

Philosophy and Pop Harmonize on Scritti Politti’s ‘Songs to Remember’

Philosophy and Pop Harmonize on Scritti Politti’s ‘Songs to Remember’

In Scritti Politti’s Songs to Remember, Green Gartside comically challenges hegemonic structures in a perfect harmony of philosophy and pop.

Meghan Trainor Looks Back and Forth with ‘Takin’ It Back’

Meghan Trainor Looks Back and Forth with ‘Takin’ It Back’

When Meghan Trainor digs deeper into her pool of talent to write something more substantial, the results are stunning and give us a glimpse of what she can do.

Pushin’ a Rock: Catching Up with John Oates of Hall & Oates

Pushin’ a Rock: Catching Up with John Oates of Hall & Oates

John Oates of Hall & Oates talks about “Pushin’ a Rock” and his other new music, men’s health charity work with Movember, and the film Gringa

Ali McGuirk Knows What She’s Got ‘Til It’s Gone’

Ali McGuirk Knows What She’s Got ‘Til It’s Gone’

The music gets jazzy and soulful on Til It’s Gone as Ali McGuirk shows off her vocal talents. The results provide a wealth of sonic enjoyment.

Creedence Clearwater Revival Is the Eye in the Hurricane of John Lingan’s Biography

Creedence Clearwater Revival Is the Eye in the Hurricane of John Lingan’s Biography

John Lingan’s expansive view of Creedence Clearwater Revival, A Song for Everyone, puts the band in the eye of the hurricane amid the era’s stormy American culture.

Highlights From That Mystery Girl of Chickasaw County, Bobbie Gentry

Highlights From That Mystery Girl of Chickasaw County, Bobbie Gentry

The two CD The Girl From Chickasaw County: Highlights From the Capitol Masters has come out and should satisfy all but the most rabid Bobbie Gentry fans.

Adam Levine’s Vanity Project: Reassessing Maroon 5’s ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’ at 15

Adam Levine’s Vanity Project: Reassessing Maroon 5’s ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’ at 15

Maroon 5’s sophomore album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, pivoted away from their pop-punk beginnings and set them up for a decade of pop culture omnipresence.

Joss Stone Returns with Classy New Album After COVID Fight

Joss Stone Returns with Classy New Album After COVID Fight

Although COVID halted her tour, British soul’s Joss Stone comes out swinging with a new album while loving life, celebrating the best gig she ever had, and collaborating with Dave Stewart.

Adele Needs No Comeback on ’30’

Adele Needs No Comeback on ’30’

Adele’s new music is far more personal in a way that separates her experiences enough from the public consciousness to provide some much-needed distance.