CD of the Week
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JukeboxThe audacity of interpretation! Taking songs that are identified with legendary singers and turning them on their heads takes a lot of guts. It also helps to have the talent - and respect for the... |
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Sleep Through the StaticThe first time I listened to Jack Johnson’ new record, Sleep Through the Static, I was on the treadmill. I began to wonder if I was running in sand; my pace slackened as a languid smile slid across... |
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RainBack in the day Joe Jackson, Graham Maby and Dave Houghton were young princes of the New Wave scene, resplendent in straight-legged pants, skinny ties, shiny suit jackets and pork-pie hats. New Wave... |
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Lady's BridgeIt isn’t surprising that Richard Hawley, former member of the Britpop bands The Longpigs and Pulp, would be a contributor to Nancy Sinatra’s 2004 release and accompany her on her 2005 European tour.... |
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Free LifeDan Wilson is like one of those great character actors you admire; you respect the body of work, you recognize the face but you can never quite remember the name. In this case you would probably... |
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Nevermind My BluesBen Arnold is fine example of a blue-collar Philadelphia singer/songwriter - and I mean that as a compliment. I’m not referring to high society Philadelphia; I’m talking about the gritty urban... |
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Sky Blue SkyOver the years the band Wilco has managed to defy being categorized thanks to their choice of musical paths. They've zig-zagged between alt-country, contemporary folk, psychedelic, experimental, and... |
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Marshmallow World & Other Holiday FavoritesRaul Malo Marshmallow World... Find out more about Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites » |
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The ReminderSubtlety is a powerful tool in the hands of an artist who appreciates thoughtful understatement and the beauty of open space. Leslie Feist, after an early career of creating music so loud that it... |
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EmotionalismLet's begin with a list of artists that the Avett Brothers have been compared to: Buddy Holly, Bill Monroe, The Beatles, The Band, Nirvana, The Violent Femmes, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, The... |
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Inside In/Inside OutLuke Prichard and Max Rafferty, like other young hopefuls studying at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, were working hard and waiting for their big break in the music industry. Like the other... |
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Soap and WaterRecently I read an article in which a music critic referred to Chuck Prophet as a ‘smart-assed’ rocker. If that be the case, that ass matches the rest of him. Prophet comes by his education through... |
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Raising SandOkay, what genius decided to pair one of the great kings of British rock with America’s reigning queen of bluegrass? Who thought to match Robert Plant, he of the curling locks, searing vocals and... |
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Chrome Dreams IIBuddy Holly once implored early rockers to “not fade away.” Neil Young takes that advice a step further, ensuring that his lost songs “not faded away.” The 1970’s and ‘80s were a prolific period for... |
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Songs of Mass DestructionWhen an artist reaches a certain point in her career it’s easy enough to listen to her new release with old ears. Annie Lennox has been recording since the late 1970’s. She hit mega-success when her... |
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The Shepherd's DogSam Beam’s music comes at you like a mirage in the desert. You notice (you think) a shimmering movement in the distance, its shape indiscernible. You find yourself moving towards it until finally,... |
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Washington Square SerenadeGoodbye, Guitar Town, Hello New York City. With a guitar slung over his shoulder, his beautiful new red-headed bride on his arm and a head full of new ideas Steve Earle takes to the streets of a... |
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MagicClose your eyes and Bruce Springsteen is a grungy looking 26 year-old rocker who is changing the world of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Open your eyes – Bruce is a 58 year-old who continues to rock a changing world... |
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The Scene of the CrimeBettye LaVette is the type of petite woman who could kick your ass three ways to each direction if she chose to. She’s also the kind of woman who is just as likely to laugh at you, call you honey and... |
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Drastic FantasticIf you don’t think there’s a difference between the U.S. and U.K. music charts consider that KT Tunstall outsold all other female acts in the U.K. in 2005 and won a coveted Brit Award for best solo... |
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ChallengersWhen an indie rock band cites Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Webb and Brian Wilson as the songwriters who inspire them the most it might just make you curious enough to check out the band’s library. In the... |
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Under the BlacklightPrepare yourselves, Rilo Kiley obsessives - Under The Blacklight ain’t your alt- country/indie-rock Rilo Kiley. Jenny and the boys have made a shimmering pop record that references some of your... |
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LifelineWe’ve heard the phrase before, “the way albums used to be made.” Is it used to express nostalgia for the old days when music was authentic, unprocessed, immediate and honest? Does it suggest a... |
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The Historical Conquests of Josh RitterLast year’s The Animal Years marked a sonic change of direction for Josh Ritter. The young singer songwriter from Idaho had been cast in the role of keeper of the pure folk flame who kept things... Find out more about The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter » |
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Versatile HeartWhoever said you have to die to get to heaven hasn’t listened to Linda Thompson’s new release. Although that might sound like hyperbole I’m willing to stand by my bombastic declaration of love for... |
