Adele Returns for More Heartbreak with the Melancholic ’30’
Adele’s 30 is an impeccable album with a strong set of songs. But its impact will feel somewhat diminished because we’re getting a very familiar Adele.
blue-eyed soul
Paul Weller’s ‘Illumination’ Gets a Vinyl Reissue Nearly 20 Years Later
Paul Weller’s Illumination is a highly enjoyable – if not groundbreaking – effort, filled with good-to-great songs. But Weller doesn’t move the needle here.
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats Engage the Moment and Evolve Musically
On their new album The Future, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats expand their musical territory without abandoning their soulful rock.
Paul Weller’s ‘Days of Speed’ Gets a Long-Awaited Vinyl Reissue
The vinyl reissue of Paul Weller’s Days of Speed is an inspired release, as it shows a vital new phase of his career with a live set that’s a sheer pleasure to rediscover.
Cold War Kids Bring a Satisfying Conclusion to the ‘New Age Norms’ Trilogy
Cold War Kids’ New Age Norms 3 takes some big swings and mostly lands with more of a good thing from an essential act in pop-rock.
Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean Band Together to Make Ida Mae ‘Click’ in Nashville
Summer might be the perfect time to celebrate Ida Mae Day with a refreshing married duo from England whose new album Click Click Domino should heat up lukewarm Americana traditions.
50 Years Ago Todd Rundgren Wrong-Footed the World with ‘Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren’
Fifty years ago, Todd Rundgren’s 1971 LP, Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren took on the growing army of singer-songwriters who clogged the charts and won. Sadly, nobody cared.
Sharleen Spiteri Takes the ‘Hi’ Road in Guiding Texas Back to Future
While taking more chances with a new album and relishing a career of bright, shining moments, fiery frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri still wonders why her Scottish band named Texas didn’t get more love from America.
The Perennially Brilliant Paul Weller Drops Some ‘Fat Pop’
An airborne virus and the passing of time can slow down and even stop some people. Not Paul Weller. Fat Pop is full of highlights.
Singer-Songwriter Evie Sands Offers a Powerful Single “The Truth Is in Disguise” (premiere)
Evie Sands’ first full-length album in two decades is giving the storied artist a new lease on life. The soulful, gritty, and hard-hitting lead single makes the case.
Lake Street Dive Hold a Master Class in Sweet Soul-Pop with ‘Obviously’
On their latest album, Obviously, Lake Street Dive once again make smart, soulful pop that hums along with the integrated precision of an Indy race car.
Lake Street Dive High 5: Rachael Price, Bridget Kearney Bring “Letter” to Life for New Album
Lead singer Rachael Price and bassist Bridget Kearney reflect on their deeply personal and emotional journey for “Nobody’s Stopping You Now” while helping Lake Street Dive continue to thrive with ‘Obviously’.