The 10 Best Janis Ian Albums
The best Janis Ian albums are among the finest in the singer-songwriter sphere. Her touching, emotionally revealing lyrics burst with memorable turns of phrase.
Charles Donovan
Charles Donovan is a writer and journalist from London who has contributed to The Sunday Telegraph, The Evening Standard, What’s On In London, The Independent, RnR Magazine, Woman & Home, Shindig!, Essentials and The Sunday Times Magazine. As an arts commentator, he has appeared regularly on TRT World’s Showcase.
The 10 Best Carly Simon Albums
Carly Simon is one of pop’s greatest chroniclers of the human heart with a song for almost every shade of feeling. These are the 10 best Carly Simon albums.
Bowie Buddie Dana Gillespie Ain’t No Man
The London-based singer-songwriter Dana Gillespie, whose memoir is just out, tells PopMatters about her convivial, free-spirited youth, her adventures with Bowie, Dylan, and Princess Margaret, and the spiritual path that changed her life.
Memoir ‘Kiss Myself Goodbye’ Dims the Brightest Subject
Ferdinand Mount's gripping family memoir, Kiss Myself Goodbye, paints a calamitous picture of one of its supporting characters, Georgie. But I knew her closely for over 40 years. She not only transcended tragedy but helped me do the same.
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ABBA’s ‘Super Trouper’ at 40
ABBA's winning – if slightly uneven – seventh album Super Trouper is reissued on 45rpm vinyl for its birthday.
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s ‘The Dirt and the Stars’ Is Warm and Sublime
Mary Chapin Carpenter ponders life, love, depression, and political mendacity on The Dirt and the Stars.
Judie Tzuke’s ‘The Chrysalis Recordings’ Highlights Her Early ‘80s Transition to Synthpop
One day, perhaps, the collected works of Judie Tzuke, one of the United Kingdom's most prolific, long-serving, and interesting singer-songwriters, may be seriously reappraised. Until then, dive into The Chrysalis Recordings.
Joni Mitchell’s ‘Shine’ Is More Timely and Apt Than Ever
A half-decade after Travelogue, Joni Mitchell felt compelled to return to music, prompted by concerns about the war-torn, polluted state of the world.
On Top of the World: An Interview With Martha High
Vocalist Martha High spent three decades with James Brown, and she tells PopMatters about her resurrected solo career as well as her path through the music industry.
Only After Dark: A Boxed Presentation of Mick Ronson’s 1970s
The late David Bowie sideman, Mick Ronson may not have relished the solo spotlight but he still left behind a trove of rock goodies.
Bill Fay’s Second Act Continues With ’Countless Branches’
One of Britain's most underrated singer-songwriters is going from strength to strength in his 70s. As ever, Bill Fay focuses on the search for meaning and substance in everyday life.
Jude Johnstone’s Hymns of Heartache
Underrated American treasure Jude Johnstone presents refreshingly spare, uncluttered grownup ballads on her latest, Living Room.