pop Archive
01 Sep 2023
30 Days Out, Sept. 2023 #1: Train, Jon Auer, Judy Collins, Old 97s
Mainstream pop rock, a leading light of alternative rock, an acclaimed and esteemed folk legend and a critical favorite from Texas: those are the highest of highlights in the next […]
30 Aug 2023
Album Review: Martin Denny – Deep Exotica
Some readers of this blogzine may remember the 1990s, a period when – for a moment, at least, it seemed – exotica made a comeback. Exemplified by the self-consciously retro […]
28 Aug 2023
Album Review: Dengue Fever – Ting Mong
Led by brothers Ethan and Zac Holtzman and fronted by the exquisite vocalist Chhom Nimol, Dengue Fever combines the traditional sound of Southeast Asia with Western pop values, and the […]
19 Aug 2023
Album Review: Arthur Alexander – Steppin’ Out!
Not long ago, I was sipping a pint of real ale in a Liverpool pub called the Cavern, when-upon I was introduced to a musician called Steven Wilson. No, not […]
11 Aug 2023
Album Review: Elephonic – s/t
An absolutely wonderful album in danger of being overlooked, Elephonic brings together the best qualities of The Byrds and John Lennon without sounding explicitly like either. (Elephonic is from Milwaukee.) […]
10 Aug 2023
Album Review: Steve McAllister – I hope you are okay.
I’ll admit it: sometimes my approach to a new album is colored by what I know about it, even before I have any sense of what it sounds like. That […]
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 […]
01 Aug 2023
30 Days Out, August 2023 #1: Circles Around the Sun, Hearts Gone South, Matisyahu, BJ & BJ
Two local-based legends, one other excellent WNC-based artist, and two very popular touring acts: Those are just some of the highlights of live music in and around Asheville in the […]
28 Jul 2023
Album Review: Various Artists – Jem Records Celebrates Ray Davies
The reactivated Jem Records has established itself as a welcoming home for a particular brand of melodic powerpop. In addition to releasing a steady stream of albums by its featured […]
29 Jun 2023
Album Review: The Zombies — Different Game
A longtime critical favorite, The Zombies have built a sterling reputation upon a number of strengths. Colin Blunstone’s vocals have been central to the group’s appeal, and the musicianship – […]