Music Reviews archive
Read Pat Metheny And John Zorn: A Vivid Sound World
On Metheny's latest, the jazz guitarist takes an evocative approach to Zorn's knotty compositions.
Watch Aesop Rock And Kimya Dawson Showcase Their Strengths
May 20, 2013 – Critic Robert Christgau says The Uncluded's debut album is almost like two halves of a whole.
Listen Sarah Vaughan: A New Box Set Revels In Glorious Imperfections
May 20, 2013 – A new anthology packs four CDs with music, recorded live or in the studio with bands big and small.
Listen Jerry Lee Lewis: Live, Singing As If Life Depended On It
May 17, 2013 – After years of struggle, the pop star began a comeback when he signed with Smash in 1963.
Listen 100 Years Of Woody Herman: The Early Bloomer Who Kept Blooming
May 16, 2013 – In a career that ran from the 1930s to the 1980s, the bandleader's style reflected changing times.
Watch Laura Mvula's Velvet 'Moon' Is A Revelation
May 15, 2013 – Mvula's debut is ambitiously confident, as if she and her band had perfected their sound years ago.
Listen Bing Crosby: From The Vaults, Surprising Breadth
May 13, 2013 – Four albums from Crosby's own vaults get a high-profile release — and demonstrate his influence.
Listen On Two New R&B Albums, An Old Soul Sound That Glows
May 8, 2013 – New York's Charles Bradley and London's James Hunter Six both mix inspiration and replication.
Listen Natalie Maines: A Country-Music Rebel Rocks On Her Own
May 8, 2013 – On her new solo album Mother, the singer-songwriter branches out from her work with Dixie Chicks.
Listen Pistol Annies: Plain Truths, Sharp Humor, Three-Part Harmony
May 7, 2013 – Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe are all the more compelling as a trio.
Listen Caitlin Rose: A Singer Grounded In The Details Of Yearning
May 6, 2013 – Rose knows it takes an assured performer to sell the notion of vulnerability over the long haul.
Listen Marc Ribot Isn't Trying To Comfort Anyone
April 30, 2013 – Robert Christgau says Ribot's new hard-rock album with Ceramic Dog ranks among his most daring.
Watch Jonny Fritz: A Country Jester Gets Personal
April 25, 2013 – On his new album, the Nashville songwriter once known as Jonny Corndawg reveals a more serious side.
Read Three Must-Hear Piano Albums
April 23, 2013 – Three new records prove the old box of wires and hammers called the piano still draws top players.
Watch Dawes' Story Gets A Fine New Chapter
April 22, 2013 – The L.A. roots-rock band may not achieve superstardom with its new album, but that's just fine.