Ben Folds Returns With an LP Equal Parts Excellent and Ill-Conceived
Ben Folds’ What Matters Most is a mixed bag. He may not be going for the all-out piano rock much this time, but his melodies are as good as ever.
new west records
Rodney Crowell’s Cool Confidence Shines on ‘The Chicago Sessions’
In The Chicago Sessions, Americana’s Rodney Crowell travels to the house Wilco built and subtly delivers one of his best albums in years.
For Art’s Sake: An Interview with Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell discusses his friendship with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, his continued passion for writing, and the importance that risk has played in his career.
Sunny War Preaches Raw Realism in ‘Anarchist Gospel’
Sunny War is one of the most promising, exciting voices in American roots music. Anarchist Gospel is a testament to clear-eyed persistence and gritty hope.
Tony Joe White Starts From ‘The Beginning’ Again
Swamp rock king Tony Joe White chewed and growled his bluesy lyrics more than sung them and played his guitar as if he was chopping down a tree.
North Mississippi Allstars ‘Set Sail’ with a Mellow But Effective Groove
North Mississippi Allstars are still creating memorable music but from a decidedly more mellow state of mind, as on Set Sail.
Lilly Hiatt’s ‘Lately’ Offers Beautiful, Vulnerable Snapshots of Intimate Connections
Lilly Hiatt’s Lately offers pandemic inspired poetic reflections on love, desire, and connection in a menagerie of musical styles.
Pokey LaFarge Happily Dwells ‘In the Blossom of Their Shade’
Pokey LaFarge’s mix of esoteric styles takes him all over the planet, from the doo-wop city streets of big cities to the tropical climate of the Caribbean.
James McMurtry Plugs Back in For ‘The Horses and the Hounds’
Texas singer-songwriter James McMurtry signs with New West and gives us The Horses and the Hounds awash in loud guitars and unparalleled storytelling.
Americana’s Wild Feathers Celebrate “Another Sunny Day” (premiere)
The Wild Feathers’ new single “Another Sunny Day” has a breezy shuffling tempo, beautiful harmony singing, gentle guitars, and wears a great big smile.
Feeling California: Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin Talks ‘Native Sons’
Longtime Los Lobos member Steve Berlin talks about relearning the saxophone during the lockdown and the inspiration behind their latest album, Native Sons.
The Wallflowers Remain True on ‘Exit Wounds’
The Wallflowers’ Exit Wounds isn’t radically different from the band’s other albums. Lyrics paint vivid pictures and the melodies are instantly familiar.