Alec Benjamin Hits the Right Note on ’12 Notes’
Alec Benjamin writes anthologies, and his fourth album, 12 Notes, is no different. This style of writing suits Benjamin’s propensity for parables.
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Myron Elkins Rocks the Rural Landscape of ‘Factories, Farms & Amphetamines’
It’s refreshing to hear someone get down and dirty. Myron Elkins lets his guitar do most of the talking, and that’s a good thing to hear.
Christina Perri Becomes Herself on ‘A Lighter Shade of Blue’
A Lighter Shade of Blue encapsulates Christina Perri’s artistry in a way that reflects her journey in life and motherhood and is also a compelling reflection on grief.
Alec Benjamin’s Self Conscious Parables Drive ‘(Un)Commentary’
Alec Benjamin’s (Un)Commentary gets caught up in the details. Is that good or bad? He acknowledges that his cerebral qualities are a strength of his music.
Here’s to Never Letting Avril Lavigne Grow Up on ‘Love Sux’
Capitalizing on early 2000s pop-punk nostalgia, Love Sux is an algorithm-appeasing record that feels like the most impersonal Avril Lavigne has ever been.
Brandi Carlile’s ‘In These Silent Days’ Is Stylistically Diverse and Stunningly Good
Unlike many pandemic music projects, there are no filler tracks or wasted space on Brandi Carlile’s In These Silent Days. Each song stands on its own stylistically.
Americana’s Finest Bring Woody Guthrie’s Dust Bowl Into the Present
Home in This World: Woody Guthrie’s Dust Bowl Ballads may not be as revelatory as the original album, but it’s still quite good and serves a worthwhile purpose.
Metallica’s Black Album Turns 30 with a Remastered and Expanded Edition
Metallica took a huge risk on their fifth album, unsure and a little worried where it might take them, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Maisie Peters Crafts a Stunning Depiction of Young Adulthood on ‘You Signed Up For This’
Maisie Peters creates a loveable, introspective pop journey into the chaotic emotions that often accompany the transition into early adulthood.