John Hiatt’s Random and Open Artistic Journey
John Hiatt is a legendary songwriter, a dynamic performer, and an inspiration. Michael Elliott’s biography, Have a Little Faith, carries the legend well.
blues rock
Gov’t Mule’s ‘Heavy Load Blues’ Will Lighten Your Burden
Heavy jam legends Gov’t Mule lay bare their roots on Heavy Load Blues, resulting in one of the most satisfying albums of the year.
Samantha Fish Enjoys Living Life ‘Faster’ and Louder
On Faster, Samantha Fish ventures into new territory from country rock to hard rock, to pop and R&B to hip-hop, without sacrificing her essential toughness.
Marcus King Pays Tribute to Neal Casal on “No One Above You”
Marcus King transforms Neal Casal’s acoustic ballad “No One Above You” into something resembling a lost Allman Brothers track circa 1975.
The Record Company Expand Their Sound on ‘Play Loud’
Yes, the Record Company still incorporate some blues into their fuzzy rock, but on Play Loud, the sound is more expansive.
Marshall Tucker Band’s Doug Gray on the Joy of Creative Fusion
PopMatters talks with Marshall Tucker Band founder Doug Gray about how embracing variety helps to ensure longevity.
Paul Thorn Knows It’s ‘Never Too Late to Call’ on Those You Love
On Never Too Late to Call, Paul Thorn charmingly delivers a serious message as a Southern gentleman because he gives a damn.
Roots Rockers Foreign Affairs “Make a Move” with Latest Single
British roots-rock duo Foreign Affairs wear their Black Keys influences well with powerful blues-rock/garage rock on their latest single, “Make a Move”.
The Guyest Guy in Rock, Jack White Loves Like a Woman
In gender-typical storytelling, freedom in love, for a woman, is often freedom from becoming the man she loves. Jack White gets this.
Paul Thorn Preaches We Should Love Everybody Before We Die
Paul Thorn’s “Holy Hottie Toddy” celebrates having a good time. The song has a simple message. Our time on this planet is short.
Blood That’s Still Pumping: 20 Years of the White Stripes’ ‘White Blood Cells’
Twenty years later, White Blood Cells remains the perfect type of White Stripes album. This is the White Stripes at their absolute best.