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Music Reviews
Aesop Rock And Kimya Dawson Showcase Their Strengths
May 20, 2013 As The Uncluded, the two cancel each other's weaknesses — Dawson gains heft, while Aesop Rock lightens up. Critic Robert Christgau says the collaborative album is almost like two halves of a whole.
Music Reviews
Marc Ribot Isn't Trying To Comfort Anyone
April 30, 2013 Marc Ribot has spent nearly three decades as a guitarist on the margins. Critic Robert Christgau explains why Ribot's new hard-rock album with Ceramic Dog ranks among his most daring pieces of music.
Music Reviews
Jonny Fritz: A Country Jester Gets Personal
April 25, 2013 On his new album, Dad Country, the Nashville singer-songwriter emerges from behind the moniker Jonny Corndawg to reveal a more serious side. In several songs on the new record, he draws on a year he spent trying to salvage a relationship.
Music Reviews
Homeboy Sandman: A Rapper Leaves Law Behind
December 19, 2012 The New York MC, whose father is a gifted boxer turned community lawyer, gave up a promising career path of his own to rap full time.
Music Reviews
Big K.R.I.T.: Big Heart, Thick Drawl
May 25, 2012 Female-soul backup and defiant pride are also part of the Mississippi rapper's appeal.
Music Reviews
By This 'Beak And Claw,' A Trio Shall Synthesize
May 23, 2012 Sufjan Stevens, Son Lux and Serengeti collaborate on a sometimes humorous but mostly beautiful EP.
Music Reviews
Ani DiFranco: Embracing Stability, Remaining Outspoken
February 2, 2012 The singer-songwriter's latest album, her most striking release in more than a decade, is as personal as it is political.
Music Reviews
Bhi Bhiman: Penetrating Melodies, Striking Vocals
January 24, 2012 The second-generation Sri Lankan-American is an accomplished guitarist and a natural bluesman.
Music Reviews
Jeffrey Lewis: Cosmic And Tongue-In-Cheek 'Dream-Songs'
October 31, 2011 The prolific anti-folk singer-songwriter — who's also a comic-book artist — is a likable supernerd.
Bluegrass/Americana
Woody Guthrie's 'Note Of Hope' From Beyond The Grave
October 3, 2011 Note of Hope: A Celebration of Woody Guthrie features 13 artists working with Guthrie's lyrics.
Music Reviews
Mates Of State: Reaching Surprising New 'Mountaintops'
September 29, 2011 Based first in Kansas, then in California, now in Connecticut, the members of Mates of State have been making music for 15 years. Still, their ebullient new album is a sonic surprise.
Music Reviews
Serengeti: Play Your Part
August 5, 2011 The Chicago rapper continues to embody troubled, dysfunctional characters of his own creation on the new Family and Friends.
Music Reviews
Teddybears: Enigmatic Troublemakers
July 25, 2011 The Stockholm production trio gleefully morphs from style to style on Devil's Music.
Music Reviews
Those Darlins: Making Un-Country Noises
May 17, 2011 Tennessee's Those Darlins hooked up at the Southern Girls Rock 'n' Roll Camp, which bassist Kelley Darlin founded in 2003. Critic Robert Christgau is glad to see the band finally playing rock, as well.
All Songs Considered
Poly Styrene, Punk Pioneer, Dies At 53
April 26, 2011 Poly Styrene, the uncompromising singer of the British punk band X-Ray Spex, died Monday.
