alt-country Archive
14 Sep 2023
Album Review: Graham Parker and the Goldtops — Last Chance to Learn the Twist
Across his nearly 50 years as a recording history, Graham Parker has had it both ways: he’s made fiery, passionate, rocking music, and he’s delivered subtle, stripped-down solo/acoustic work. But […]
08 Aug 2023
Album Review: Chris Stamey — The Great Escape
Chris Stamey is an American musical treasure. Something of a local legend while growing up in Winston-Salem NC, he was even then recognized as someone special. With a background and […]
15 May 2023
30 Days Out, May 2023 #2: Jonny Couch, Acid Mothers Temple, Sierra Ferrell, Randall Bramblett
Four nationally-touring acts are among the live music highlights in Asheville in the coming 30 days. Go see ‘em, and support local artists as well. Artist: Jonny Couch Venue: Fleetwood’s […]
10 May 2023
Old 97’s: Turn on the TV (Part 2 of 2)
Continued from Part One… Ken Bethea says that he’s lost count of how many times he’s engaged in conversation with a stranger, only for the dialogue to unfold like this: […]
09 May 2023
Old 97’s: Turn on the TV (Part 1 of 2)
With their winning combination of rock energy and Texas twang, Dallas-based Old 97’s have carved out a unique place for themselves on the music landscape. Across a dozen albums, their […]
01 Apr 2023
30 Days Out, April 2023 #1: The Church, Skinny Puppy, New Pornographers, The Sadies
With each edition of “30 Days Out,” I endeavor to shine a light on noteworthy music events in and around Asheville. I generally include at least one local or region […]
20 Feb 2023
Hundred-word Reviews, February 2023 Part 1
It’s been ages since I did one of these, and since my backlog has got out of hand, it’s time. As ever, each of these merits deeper discussion, investigation, discussion […]
21 Aug 2022
EP Review: Merciful Heavens – For Now
I’ve been reviewing albums for, oh, close to 20 years now. I’m on many music publicists’ mailing and e-mail lists, and I’m grateful for that. Occasionally, though, I receive unsolicited […]
01 Jun 2022
30 Days Out, June 2022 #1: Seth Walker, Cosmic Collective, Jayhawks, Music of Cream
Live music option are once again plentiful in Western North Carolina. Over the next 30 days, there are myriad choices. Here’s a look at four of the most notable live […]
15 May 2022
30 Days Out, May 2022 #2: Albert Cummings, Jason Isbell, Gov’t Mule, Destroy Boys
In the next 30 days, there’s all manner of live music to be experienced in Asheville. This roundup focuses a bit more on c&w, but there’s something for every taste […]