‘Stoned Cold Country’ Proves You Can’t Always Get What You Want
The latest country-leaning tribute album to the Rolling Stones, Stoned Cold Country, is as unexciting as it is unnecessary.
Michael Elliott
Michael Elliott is a freelance writer and contributor to a variety of publications. He is also the author of 'Have A Little Faith: The John Hiatt Story', published in 2021 by Chicago Review Press. Michael grew up with music all around and learned to love it all, regardless of genre. He started in radio as a disc jockey at 16 and spent close to 30 years in the business as Program Director, Operations Manager, and Creative Director for a variety of stations. Michael is also a proud father, husband, and cat person.
Jerry Joseph’s Leftovers Are As Strong As the Main Course
On Tick, Jerry Joseph enlists the Drive-By Truckers and all hell breaks loose in a blaze of fierce rock, but that’s a good thing.
Tyler Childers and That Old Time Screamin’ and Shoutin’
Ambitious yet gimmicky, Tyler Childers’ Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? is all dressed up in its Sunday best, but it’s mostly an empty suit.
Bruce Springsteen Goes Soul Searching on ‘Only the Strong Survive’
On Only the Strong Survive, Bruce Springsteen places his voice front and center, and his love for this timeless, joyous soul music is jubilant and infectious.
Daniel Lanois Still Believes in Magic
Legendary producer Daniel Lanois discusses U2, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, his new instrumental album, and how he still lets the music guide him.
The Chefs Return to the Kitchen to Perfect Their Rock ’n’ Roll Recipe
‘Secret Chef’ Joe Blanton joins the Chefs’ Dan Baird and Stan Lynch for a 12-course rock ‘n’ roll delight with Sing For Your Supper.
Kurt Vile Invites Us to Watch His Moves
Indie rocker Kurt Vile returns with the sprawling, pondering, post-pandemic jam (watch my moves). Its best moments entrance and enthrall.
‘The Dylan Tapes’ Peeks Behind the Curtain at a Landmark Biography
Anthony Scaduto’s posthumously published The Dylan Tapes is an engrossing journey into the research process of one gifted writer as he profiled another.
‘Be Good To Yourself’ Lends A Helping Hand To Artists In Need
Through the power of rock ‘n’ roll, 60 North Carolina musicians band together to shine a light on mental health with the compilation, Be Good to Yourself.
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.
James McMurtry Plugs Back in For ‘The Horses and the Hounds’
Texas singer-songwriter James McMurtry signs with New West and gives us The Horses and the Hounds awash in loud guitars and unparalleled storytelling.
‘Rip It Up: The Best of Specialty Records’ Makes the Case for Being Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Ground Zero
Art Rupe’s little Hollywood label, Specialty Records celebrated Black culture’s boundless beauty, energy, joy, and excitement. It was also an originator of the rock ‘n’ roll sound.