JD McPherson Adds New Wave Glam to His Rock ‘n’ Roll
Nite Owls is JD McPherson’s most fully realized front-to-back example of his talent yet, and it points the way to an even more exciting follow-up.
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.
Americana’s Shelby Lynne Writes Through the Pain
Americana singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne talks to PopMatters about her acclaimed new album, Consequences of the Crown, and the long road it took to get here.
Overlong Tom Petty Country Tribute Falls Short of Its Subject
This country tribute LP honoring Tom Petty could have been half as long and twice as good with Rhiannon Giddens, Dolly Parton, and Jamey Johnson as highlights.
![Slash’s Orgy of Destruction [or] ‘Blues Your Illusion’](jpg/slash-with-gibson-les-paul-720x380.jpg)
Slash’s Orgy of Destruction [or] ‘Blues Your Illusion’
Orgy of the Damned finds Slash and his many guests bashing through the most over-played blues standards with the subtlety and grace of Axl Rose in a china shop.
The Wanting and Waiting Is Over as the Black Crowes Return
The Black Crowes’ Happiness Bastards gives us ten good reasons to believe that rock and roll is still a long way from the graveyard.
Jerry Joseph Takes a Walk on the Bright Side
Rocker Jerry Joseph takes a bite of the Big Apple, enlisting producer Eric Ambel to make a NYC rock ‘n’ roll record, Baby, You’re the Man Who Would Be King.
Paul Rodgers’ New LP Marks Return of One of Rock’s Best Voices
Paul Rodgers’ voice hasn’t diminished over the decades and remains as expressive and powerful as ever, even though Midnight Rose doesn’t match his best.
Thelma and the Sleaze’s ‘Holey Water’ Is the Rock Album We Need
Thelma and the Sleaze continue their reign as the queens of loud, gaudy, disreputable rock ‘n’ roll on Holey Water, one of the funnest rock albums of the year.
Garage Popsters Bark Get ‘Loud’
Mississippi husband-and-wife duo Bark offer up power pop filtered through a hazy lens of distortion on Loud, their most fully realized work yet.
Two Seminal Titles Help Relaunch Original Jazz Classics Imprint
Legendary jazz reissue imprint reboots with pivotal recordings from the Miles Davis Quintet and the brilliantly collaborative Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.
Rodney Crowell’s Cool Confidence Shines on ‘The Chicago Sessions’
In The Chicago Sessions, Americana’s Rodney Crowell travels to the house Wilco built and subtly delivers one of his best albums in years.
Model Citizen Take Us Back to the Garage
Alabama’s Model Citizen boast a pair of Drive-By Truckers and punk rock bonafides on the loud and proud new album, Live at Dial Back Sound.