Old 97’s’ ‘Twelfth’ Is Masterful
The years have fallen quite well upon Old 97's as Twelfth stands out as masterful even among their stacked discography.
ato records
South African Folk Master Vusi Mahlasela Honors Home on ‘Shebeen Queen’
South African folk master Vusi Mahlasela pays tribute to his home and family with township music on live album, Shebeen Queen.
Drive-By Truckers Are Sadder and Angrier on ‘The Unraveling’
Once Drive-By Truckers' The Unraveling hits the fourth song, "Thoughts and Prayers", the album dives headlong into the nightmares of the United States in 2020.
‘Infest the Rats’ Nest’ Sees King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Embrace Their Inner Thrash
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard go full metal to craft a brutal warning against ecological destruction on their 15th studio album, Infest the Rats' Nest.
Nilüfer Yanya Is More Assured Than Ever on ‘Miss Universe’
Big without the "bang", Miss Universe poignantly showcases the young talent Nilüfer Yanya coming into her own on her own terms.
Rayland Baxter Makes a Masterful Play for the Pop-Rock Middle on ‘Wide Awake’
On Wide Awake, Rayland Baxter channels his inner Paul McCartney, cranks the melodies up to 11, and makes a masterful play for the pop-rock middle.
Alynda Segarra & The Special Men Issue “Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over” (premiere + interview)
King James (Jimmy Horn) taps Hurray for the Riff Raff leader Alynda Segarra for soulful new single "Don't Tell Me That It's Over".
Jim James’ ‘Uniform Distortion’ Wonders How We Can Keep Making the Same Mistakes Over and Over
Uniform Distortion is a brisk and nearly straightforward rock 'n' roll record that takes inspiration from Jim James finding a 1971 distorted photo of "The Illuminated Man" by Duane Michals.
Natalie Prass Goes on a Journey to ‘The Future and the Past’
Feminist anarchist Emma Goldman reportedly said, "If I can't dance I don't want to be in your revolution." That could serve as the motto for Natalie Prass on her new album.
Lookin’ at the Upside: An Interview with Allen Stone
"I don't look like your typical soul singer, I don't look like Justin Timberlake, I don't wear a suit and tie ... I'm from Packwood, eastern Washington state."
CMJ 2015 Night 4: ATO Records Showcase w/ Thunderbitch + The Word
On the fourth night of CMJ, I made my way to Knitting Factory to see Thunderbitch as had every other photographer and blogger, then dropped by Webster Hall to hear The Word.
Old Crow Medicine Show: Remedy
By smoothing out the rough edges that got them to this point, Remedy is a noble stepping stone between Old Crow Medicine Show’s past and future.