September 9th, 2010 | by Holly Wang | published in indie pop, pop | 3 comments
As a combination of new and unreleased tracks, one would expect some disjointedness, but the eight tracks on Minotaur work seamlessly together – a bit retrospective, a bit new. Labeled as a “mini-album,” it is almost as satisfying as a full-length.
Ray LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs – God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise
September 5th, 2010 | by Max Jacobs | published in bluegrass, folk, folk-rock | 5 comments
It’s tricky to find the right accompaniment to compliment and accentuate Ray LaMontagne’s vocal talent without making music that sounds like it would fit in the lobby of a Holiday Inn. Overall, God Willin’ has the feel of a contemporary Paul McCartney album; there’s some catchy tunes, some interesting stories, but nothing blows you away and no new sound is explored.
William Elliott Whitmore – Animals in the Dark
September 4th, 2010 | by kmanning | published in americana, blues, folk | 2 comments
Folk crooner William Elliott Whitmore’s Animals in the Dark is an album of anarchy, pain and hope. The Iowa native’s raspy, rigid voice can make the most beautiful lyrics graceful or the most painful words tug at your heartstrings.
September 3rd, 2010 | by Kathlee Cleveland | published in 80s, post-punk, post-rock | 3 comments
The Horrors mixes post punk with goth, a bit of Joy Division and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Not a bad mix, I must say. So why hasn’t anyone I’ve met ever heard of them? Maybe we’re not willing to admit that some 18-year-olds may revive 80s post-punk?
Andreya Triana – Lost Where I Belong
September 1st, 2010 | by Nicole Cifani | published in female vocalists, soul | 4 comments
It’s rare to come across a talented and successful singer with mainstream appeal – let alone one who also happens to be entirely self-taught. Andreya Triana is just that.
August 27th, 2010 | by sweeneykovar | published in jazz, progressive rock, soul | 4 comments
After a nearly 10-year hiatus since his last officially released album, Bilal Oliver returns with Airtight’s Revenge. A collage of genre’s make this album hard to pin down but that much more compelling.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!
August 23rd, 2010 | by Kelly Scott | published in blues, soul | 1 comment
What we have with Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! is a core rattling, quick and dirty infection. Echoing seminal artists Otis Redding and James Brown, Lewis and his band survive comparisons by coughing up the grit and raw glamour that set the classics on fire.
Outside Lands 2010 Preview: Al Green – Lay It Down
August 13th, 2010 | by Hannah Simon | published in 70s, festivals, soul | 1 comment
I’m going to just jump in and be completely cliché: Al Green is a living legend. He did to R&B and soul what Michael Jackson did for pop: countless bands list him as an inspiration, and he pretty much set the bar for getting down with gospel.
Cibelle – The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves
August 13th, 2010 | by Tony Smith | published in female vocalists, folktronica, world music | 2 comments
A delightful Brazilian electronica album by Cibelle with a guest performance by Devendra Banhart.
Outside Lands 2010 Preview: Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)
August 10th, 2010 | by Hannah Simon | published in female vocalists, festivals, funk | 5 comments
Listening to Janelle Monae is like squirting hot sauce over your taco — her fresh sound packs a punch. She likes to shake things up, and the whopping 18 tracks on her newest album are a tribute to her creative ambition and vision.
