Ugandan Jon Muq’s Music Is Warm and Familiar on ‘Flying Away’
Jon Muq’s voice and presence come off as natural and unaffected. One has to listen carefully to appreciate the breadth and the subtlety of his talents.
Steve Horowitz
Steven Horowitz has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa, where he continues to teach a three-credit online course on "Rock and Roll in America". He has written for many different popular and academic publications including American Music, Paste and the Icon. Horowitz is a firm believer in Paul Goodman's neofunctional perspective on culture and that Sam Cooke was right, a change is gonna come.
Emily Nenni Sings with a Twang on ‘Drive & Cry’
Emily Nenni’s Drive & Cry is an excellent example of how country music has evolved without necessarily changing. It all depends on who is singing.
Kelsey Waldon Finds Inspiration In What Came Before Her
As Kelsey Waldon sings on Ola Belle Reed’s triumphant “I’ve Endured”, the Kentucky country artist knows these songs have lasted for a reason.
Pokey LaFarge Invites Us to Dance for Our Lives on ‘Rhumba Country’
There’s a joyful element to Pokey LaFarge’s Rhumba Country that may be found in the Lord’s spirit, the pleasure of bouncy rhythms, or the magic of making music.
Camera Obscura Find That Life Goes On No Matter the Direction
Earlier, Camera Obscura contrasted their mocking pessimism of adult life with innocence. The group may still be twee, but their sneer has become more of a frown.
Chris Smither Knows It’s ‘All About the Bones’
Folkie Chris Smither always knew that nothing would last forever, but the passage of time showed him the importance of appreciating the good things in life.
St. Vincent Finds Pleasure in Pain on ‘All Born Screaming’
On All Born Screaming, St. Vincent suggests the end of life is really just a new beginning. Love is the purpose. There is no joy without pain.
Reyna Tropical Find the Bitter and the Sweet on ‘Malegría’
All we have is each other. Let’s dance and fall in love, for what else is there? Reyna Tropical’s Malegría provides the soundtrack.
Dawn Landes Presents ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’
Singer-songwriter Dawn Landes performs classic folk songs of struggle. Women’s rights are the unalienable ones we all share. Anything else is inherently wrong.
Aaron Lee Tasjan Is Seriously Funny on ‘Stellar Evolution’
Aaron Lee Tasjan often goes for a laugh with broad puns and subtle references to pop culture. Yes, he is funny, but he is also serious, seriously funny.
John Moreland Goes It Alone As a ‘Visitor’
John Moreland’s gift to listeners is rooted in his alienation, as on his latest album, Visitor. We visit his world as a way to find ourselves.
Scott Ballew Offers a Metaphysical View of Life on ‘Rio Bravo’
Scott Ballew’s metaphysical life lessons entertain us like a good movie with a cliffhanger ending. One doesn’t know what happens next—and that is the point.