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.
new west records
Nada Surf Have a Good Time on ‘Moon Mirror’
Moon Mirror finds long-running power poppers Nada Surf relaxed and having fun with the same strong, catchy songs they’ve written for nearly 30 years.
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.
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.
Corb Lund Pays Tribute to Ian Tyson on ‘El Viejo’
Corb Lund’s El Viejo is an entirely acoustic album with guitar, banjo, mandolin, string bass, and stripped-down bass, but it never feels like one.
It’s ‘Spiel’ Time with Office Dog
Office Dog’s Spiel sounds like hearing three different records simultaneously. The superficial cacophony makes one an active participant in creating what they hear.
Corb Lund Mixes Country and MMA in “Out on a Win” (premiere)
“Out on a Win”, the new single from Corb Lund’s upcoming LP, El Viejo, releasing in February 2024, is classic Lund: Meticulous, thoughtful, and genuine.
Ben Folds Returns With an LP Equal Parts Excellent and Ill-Conceived
Ben Folds’ What Matters Most is a mixed bag. He may not be going for the all-out piano rock much this time, but his melodies are as good as ever.
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.
For Art’s Sake: An Interview with Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell discusses his friendship with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, his continued passion for writing, and the importance that risk has played in his career.
Sunny War Preaches Raw Realism in ‘Anarchist Gospel’
Sunny War is one of the most promising, exciting voices in American roots music. Anarchist Gospel is a testament to clear-eyed persistence and gritty hope.
Tony Joe White Starts From ‘The Beginning’ Again
Swamp rock king Tony Joe White chewed and growled his bluesy lyrics more than sung them and played his guitar as if he was chopping down a tree.